In honor of Black History Month I have decided to do a post honoring the best performances by African Americans in film in the last five years. There are so many roles, both award-winning and not that are more than worthy, so I had to narrow the list down by picking just the past five years. Here is what I came up with.
Movie: Django Unchained
Actor: Samuel L. Jackson
Character: Stephen
Why it makes the list: Jackson is a brilliant actor who has done amazing things in his career. He has fulfilled all types of roles. This role is unique because well, it's in a Quentin Tarantino film. And because the character has such wits about him. It's definitely a movie to check out.
Movie: New Year's Eve
Actress: Halle Berry
Character: Nurse Aimee
Why it makes the list: This was obviously not an award-winning movie but the sentiment behind the different storylines is what makes this film great. Berry portrays a nurse who is obviously hard-working and waiting for her husband to come home from Iraq. The simple plot is moving and her performance, although short, is breathtaking and beautiful.
Movie: Won't Back Down
Actress: Viola Davis
Character: Nona Alberts
Why it makes the list: This movie is a beautifully crafted piece that surrounds the problems in education right now in the United Sates. Viola dedicates herself fully to a role (as she always does) and that is especially obvious in her performance in this film. Her acting is flawless, real and moving.
Movie: The Help
Actress: Viola Davis
Character: Aibileen Clark
Why it makes the list: I know it's crazy that I have one actress on here twice but when you look at this role, how could it not have been included in this great list?! "You is kind. You is smart. You is important." I cry every time I watch this movie, one of the most emotionally riveting movies in a long time but also mixed with the perfect pinch of comedy.
Movie: The Help
Actress: Octavia Spencer
Character: Minny Jackson
Why it makes the list: Well first of she won an Oscar for this role, not to mention she was brilliant for the role. I can't say enough good things about the film or Octavia. She is talented far beyond her years.
Movie: Precious
Actress: Gabourey Sidibe
Character: Precious
Why it makes the list: This movie has put Gabourey on the acting map for the rest of her life. Her acting was epic and represented so much more than just her character in that role. For a young girl with very little acting experience, she really strutted her stuff and showed the world what she was made of.
Movie: The Dark Knight Rises
Actor: Morgan Freeman
Character: Mr. Fox
Why it makes the list: If you have to question this one, I'm sad for you. He is amazing in the whole trilogy but this last film he really shines, especially when everything is taking place with the nuclear reactor. Everything that Morgan Freeman touches turns to gold and this film was no exception.
Movie: Silver Linings Playbook
Actor: Chris Tucker
Character: Danny
Why it makes the list: Danny is one of Pat's (Bradley Cooper) buddies from his recent stint in a metal institution. He shows up throughout the film and is always good for a laugh. It's classic Tucker and yet it fits in so well with the drama that you cannot imagine the film without him.
Movie: Joyful Noise
Actress: Queen Latifah
Character: Vi Rose Hill
Why it makes the list: This movie is literally a joyful noise. The music is great and the stars that make the music are even better. Who is better than Queen? No one and she was the absolute perfect choice for this spunky and soulful character.
Movie: Django Unchained
Actor: Samuel L. Jackson
Character: Stephen
Why it makes the list: Jackson is a brilliant actor who has done amazing things in his career. He has fulfilled all types of roles. This role is unique because well, it's in a Quentin Tarantino film. And because the character has such wits about him. It's definitely a movie to check out.
Movie: New Year's Eve
Actress: Halle Berry
Character: Nurse Aimee
Why it makes the list: This was obviously not an award-winning movie but the sentiment behind the different storylines is what makes this film great. Berry portrays a nurse who is obviously hard-working and waiting for her husband to come home from Iraq. The simple plot is moving and her performance, although short, is breathtaking and beautiful.
Movie: Won't Back Down
Actress: Viola Davis
Character: Nona Alberts
Why it makes the list: This movie is a beautifully crafted piece that surrounds the problems in education right now in the United Sates. Viola dedicates herself fully to a role (as she always does) and that is especially obvious in her performance in this film. Her acting is flawless, real and moving.
Movie: The Help
Actress: Viola Davis
Character: Aibileen Clark
Why it makes the list: I know it's crazy that I have one actress on here twice but when you look at this role, how could it not have been included in this great list?! "You is kind. You is smart. You is important." I cry every time I watch this movie, one of the most emotionally riveting movies in a long time but also mixed with the perfect pinch of comedy.
Movie: The Help
Actress: Octavia Spencer
Character: Minny Jackson
Why it makes the list: Well first of she won an Oscar for this role, not to mention she was brilliant for the role. I can't say enough good things about the film or Octavia. She is talented far beyond her years.
Movie: Precious
Actress: Gabourey Sidibe
Character: Precious
Why it makes the list: This movie has put Gabourey on the acting map for the rest of her life. Her acting was epic and represented so much more than just her character in that role. For a young girl with very little acting experience, she really strutted her stuff and showed the world what she was made of.
Movie: The Dark Knight Rises
Actor: Morgan Freeman
Character: Mr. Fox
Why it makes the list: If you have to question this one, I'm sad for you. He is amazing in the whole trilogy but this last film he really shines, especially when everything is taking place with the nuclear reactor. Everything that Morgan Freeman touches turns to gold and this film was no exception.
Movie: Silver Linings Playbook
Actor: Chris Tucker
Character: Danny
Why it makes the list: Danny is one of Pat's (Bradley Cooper) buddies from his recent stint in a metal institution. He shows up throughout the film and is always good for a laugh. It's classic Tucker and yet it fits in so well with the drama that you cannot imagine the film without him.
Movie: Joyful Noise
Actress: Queen Latifah
Character: Vi Rose Hill
Why it makes the list: This movie is literally a joyful noise. The music is great and the stars that make the music are even better. Who is better than Queen? No one and she was the absolute perfect choice for this spunky and soulful character.
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