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From Viola Davis’s tour de force performance in ‘Fences, to classic portrayals like Angela Bassett in ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It’ and Diana Ross in Billie Holiday, here are seven of our favorite Black female performances.
2. Angela Bassett In 'What's Love Got To Do With It'
2017 NAACP Image Awards nominee Angela Bassett’s performance in the 1993 biopic “What’s Love Got To Do With It’ earned the actress an Academy Award nomination. Bassett won a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Tina Turner and the film was hailed as classic.
3. Halle Berry In 'Introducing Dororthy Dandridge'
Halle Berry racked up the statuettes for her portrayal of Dorothy Dandridge in the TV film ‘Introducing Dororthy Dandridge.’ From Image Awards to Golden Globes and SAG Awards, critics and fans alike raved about her performance, calling it one of the best of her career.
4. Viola Davis In 'Fences'
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2017 NAACP Image Award nominee Viola Davis is on her way to Oscar glory after snagging a Golden Globe and SAG Award for her performance in the critically-acclaimed ‘Fences.’ Davis’ stellar and emotional performance alongside Denzel Washington is being hailed as a tour de force.
5. Monique In 'Precious'
Mo’Nique’s diabolical portrayal of the fictional character ‘Mary’ in the 2009 film ‘Precious’ earned the comedienne an Oscar for ‘Best Supporting Actress.’ It was Mo’Nique’s grit and vulnerability that gave her character such depth. While we pitied Mary, we empathized with her in the final, most heart-wrenching scene.
6. Diana Ross In 'Lady Sings The Blues'
‘Lady Sings The Blues’ landed five Academy Award nominations, including Best Actress in a leading role for Diana Ross’, who brilliantly portrayed the iconic Billie Holiday. Ross captivated the audience with her beauty and poise. It remains a Black classic.
7. Queen Latifah In 'Set It Off'
Queen Latifah’s groundbreaking performance in ‘Set It Off’ not only earned the dynamic star props in the Black community, it established her supreme acting skills. Up until that point, we had only seen the Queen in a particularly put-together light, verses her charismatic character Cleo. ‘Set It Off’ was full of #BlackGirlMagic and celebrated to this day.
8. Lonette McKee In 'Sparkle'
With her stunning looks and angelic voice, Lonette McKee transformed into ‘Sister’ in the 1976 musical drama. With Aretha Franklin’s music and Curtis Mayfield’s production serving as the film’s score, ‘Sparkle’ has become a cult classic.
