Lights, Camera, Action
Let’s celebrate the stars whose work brings stories to life in front of and behind the cameras.
In recent years, the television and film industries have faced a major reckoning from the public calling for more diverse on-screen representation and recognition of BIPOC actors. Remember #OscarsSoWhite? We are finally starting to see an increase in BIPOC representation both on-screen and behind the camera, although we know it is not nearly enough.
The ten Black individuals listed below are working as directors, creators, actors, writers, and more to provide us with the movies, series, and content that entertain us and bring us joy. It’s so important to see and celebrate the diverse stories and roles created for and by Black individuals in this industry. That’s why representation matters both in front of and behind the cameras.
You may have spotted him guest-starring on Law & Order: SVU and in the movie, Nicole and OJ, but, more recently, Ja’Siah Young is making his presence known as the main character on Netflix’s popular show Raising Dion. And all at the age of eleven! Can you believe that?- He is already leading on-screen and we’re excited to see what else he’ll be working on in the coming years!
If you’ve seen Moonlight, If Beale Street Could Talk, or The Underground Railroad series, it’s all thanks to Barry Jenkins' directing. Jenkins is not only a director, but also a producer and writer who has worked hard to craft and tell the stories of Black individuals. His creations have earned him Academy Awards, NAACP Image Awards, Critics’ Choice Awards, and so many others. Bravo!
Jasmin Savoy Brown is an actress, singer/songwriter, and co-host of The Gay Agenda -- a podcast that explores the lives of LGBTQ+ creatives. Is there anything she can’t do?! You might recognize her as young Taissa from the TV show Yellowjackets, which follows a girls soccer team fighting for survival after their plane crashed in the middle of the woods. You can also catch her in the latest Scream movie!
If you’ve ever watched Buzzfeed videos, then you might recognize Quinta Brunson! Since leaving Buzzfeed, Quinta has left her mark on the small screen through her acting and creating. She has starred in Big Mouth, iZombie, A Black Lady Sketch Show, and, more recently, Abbott Elementary, a show she created! The sitcom is a mock documentary that follows a group of teachers at a Philadelphia public school who try to help their students succeed despite the challenges that they face. The show is hilarious and has been highly praised!
Storm Reid’s film debut was for the movie 12 Years a Slave and, since then, she’s secured some amazing roles. At 18 years old, Storm Reid can be found starring in Euphoria and the Netflix series, When They See Us, as well as in movies such as A Wrinkle in Time and The Invisible Man. Her performances have captivated audiences and we love to see it!
Hannah Beachler made history in 2019 by becoming the first Black woman to win an Oscar for Production Design for Marvel’s Black Panther. Production designers work to prepare shooting locations for the film to help with the visual storytelling. They use art, design, and visual elements to help bring the story and vision to life. She has also worked on Creed, Moonlight, and Beyoncé’s Lemonade. Imagine getting to work with Beyoncé?!
She’s just fifteen years old, but Priah Ferguson is already making a name for herself! Her role as Erica Sinclair on Netflix’s Stranger Things made her a break-out star and earned her a spot as a series regular. Her witty comebacks and hilarious one-liners are a great addition to the show. We don’t want to give away any spoilers, but we can’t wait to see what crazy things will unfold in the upcoming season!
Caleb McLaughlin -- who actually plays Priah Ferguson’s brother on-screen -- has also been making a splash in his roles! At twenty years old, he has already been featured in series and movies such as Netflix’s Stranger Things, Concrete Cowboy, High Flying Bird, and Dora and the Lost City of Gold.
Ryan Coogler is a filmmaker and director who has left his mark on Hollywood from behind the cameras. He’s responsible for making blockbuster films like Creed, Black Panther, Space Jam: A New Legacy, and Judas and the Black Messiah. The work of this creative genius has impacted our lives by bringing diverse representation to our screens and telling the stories of Black characters and individuals. We hope to see more directors following in Coogler’s footsteps to successfully highlight diversity on-screen!
Michaela Coel is not only an amazing actress, but she is also a screenwriter, director, producer, singer, AND author! She has starred in the TV series Black Earth Rising, Black Mirror, and in the show she created called I May Destroy You. In 2021 she made history by becoming the first Black woman to win an Emmy for best limited series writing for her show!
We can’t wait to grab some popcorn and spend some time watching and re-watching the work of these amazing individuals!
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