The New Generation of Denzel Washingtons/Will Smiths
Recently someone laughed at me when I said I just can't deal with criticisms of Jay Z. While I'm most certainly a Jigga warrior, my point was more that I'd love to have one black male mogul who can go his whole life without getting into Bill Cosby/Woody Allen/POTUS type issues. I'd even appreciate if no one can dig up stuff once they're dead.
Having said that here is a list of black actors who I admire and want to see get to the point in their life where people look at them as great actors period. Not just great black actors.
I feel like Jamie Foxx is already there. You know like if Denzel and Will Smith had an actor baby it would be Jamie Foxx. He's graduated this fictitious school I've created in my head. Some of the people on the following list are about to graduate and some of them just entered the school but it'll be a great list no matter what!
Actor:
Mahershala Ali
Favourite Role:
Cornell Stokes/Cottonmouth (Luke Cage)
What to look forward to:
I first took notice of Mahershala in The Place Beyond the Pines. Since then he's done a ton of great work including Moonlight, however, Cottonmouth is the performance I felt gave me the best example of what Mr. Ali is all about and that might be because of the time dedicated to him. I have nothing but great things to say about Mahershala! It was a dream come true to interview him and the cast and director of Moonlight during TIFF for Dork Shelf. And it was obviously amazing to watch him win his Oscar. With all of that said, the only thing left to say is that I don't care what he's doing next, I already know I'll enjoy watching him in it. He's just that kind of actor.
Actor:
Eric André
Favourite Role:
Eric André (The Eric Andre Show)
What to look forward to:
Eric André is cool because of how different his three most noteworthy roles are. You could be turned off by his antics on The Eric Andre Show, but, consider how different he feels in Don't Trust the B in Apartment 23. He feels different in Man Seeking Woman as well. That's got to be a testament to how talented he is. All three instances are a performance but there isn't a performance out of the three that feels disingenuous. I will always appreciate what Eric does when he pops up on other shows or in movies, but I'm most excited to see what he does with his "talk" show.
Actor:
Abraham Attah
Favourite Role:
Agu (Beasts of no Nation)
What to look forward to:
I've only seen one performance from Abraham but boy what a performance! Especially since he was going up against a near graduate that will appear on this later. You have to see his Agu for yourself to truly appreciate how well he portrays a person who has lived more than most adults and can't identify with his peers or the people trying to rehabilitate him. What does he follow this performance up with? Appearing in a movie about my second favourite comic book hero, Spider-Man: Homecoming! I'm hoping he gets more cross over opportunities like that!
Actor:
Chadwick Boseman
Favourite Role:
James Brown (Get on Up)
What to look forward to:
I know what you're thinking, "Civil War was way better than Get on Up!" You're right. And I am willing to speak at length with anyone who disagrees with Captain America: Civil War being a great movie. My point is, however, that Chadwick got a better chance to stretch his acting muscles as James Brown. Trust me, he gets to do the physical, emotional, and charm of T'Challa but over the course of a longer time. Having said all that, you better believe I'm looking forward to seeing a full Black Panther movie and Chadwick becoming an MCU staple.
Actor:
John Boyega
Favourite Role:
Moses (Attack the Block)
What to look forward to:
I can't explain why I love Attack the Block so much. When it finally comes up on Movies vs. Matrimony maybe I'll be able to explain it better but just know it left an impression on me and as such John Boyega is constantly being compared to his starring role in that movie. Yes I love seeing him in The Force Awakens, and hope he actually gets to do stuff in The Last Jedi, but I think I'm going to be happier seeing him balance out the alien fights with movies like The Circle and Detroit.
Actor:
Sterling K. Brown
Favourite Role:
Randall Pearson (This is Us)
What to look forward to:
Here's an update on my relationship with This is Us. I'm officially in. I can't say it's the best show ever, but it's almost got me to cry more times than I'd like to admit and Randall is a big part of that. I think he's great as Chris Darden, but there's something about the vulnerability as well as tenacity of Randall that bests the vulnerability and tenacity of Mr. Darden. Maybe it's because Randall seems like an ultimately happier character? Either way, Sterling is making his way to the MCU via Black Panther and is campaigning for that John Stewart/Green Lantern spot! I'm all for actors being in multiple comic book properties! Especially when they can ACT like Sterling.
Actor:
Hannibal Buress
Favourite Role:
Lincoln Rice (Broad City)
What to look forward to:
I sometimes tell myself either Hannibal or me would blow up, the world couldn't deal with both of us. The character I was doing in Filmakers is pretty much Hannibal, but I hadn't heard of him at the time I was doing that character. The good news is Hannibal is also trying to take my podcast lane now that he's conquered film, television and stand up. I'm not mad at any of that, and I'm certainly not mad that Hannibal is taking his scene stealing tour over to Spider-Man: Homecoming and Baywatch!
Actor:
Jerrod Carmichael
Favourite Role:
Jerrod Carmichael (The Carmichael Show)
What to look forward to:
Jerrod just killed it with his second HBO stand up special which is to say nothing of the interesting sitcom he has on NBC. The Carmichael Show is formulaic but it's multi-cam done well and there's something comforting in that especially when I know he can go out and try new things like his appearances in the Neighbours movies and his upcoming foray into big budget Michael Bay films since he'll be in Transformers: the Last Knight.
Actor:
RJ Cyler
Favourite Role:
Earl (Me and Earl and the Dying Girl)
What to look forward to:
I noticed RJ in a very good movie that didn't seem like it would be able to accommodate the kind of character RJ ended up playing in Me and Earl and the Dying Girl. Which led me to believe that there must be something to this Cyler fellow. I saw him in Vice Principals as well and continued to enjoy his work. He feels pretty different in Power Rangers, but I'm definitely willing to watch him in further instalments of those movies. What's exciting about RJ is that he doesn't seem to be pigeonholed as playing the comic relief or the thug. He's been able to play both and places in between and I'm all for that. I'm interested in seeing him in War Machine (not an MCU solo film for graduate, Don Cheadle).
Actor:
Chiwetel Ejiofor
Favourite Role:
Michael Atwood (Triple 9)
What to look forward to:
If I'm being honest, Chiwetel is on this list because I feel like I should like him and I want to like him and feel like he could be great. Appearances in movies like The Martian and Kinky Boots really make me believe that. However, Triple 9 is my favourite appearance for me because Michael Atwood is a classic Hitchcock lead in that he's doing something bad but I still hope he can pull it off. I know people expected me to say 12 Years a Slave but I hope you can understand I don't really want to revere depictions of slavery. I think that movie is great but it's definitely greater than the sum of its parts. So while I absolutely hate his story line in Love Actually, I think he's a great actor and if he continues on the Doctor Strange and Triple 9 path, I think we'll be good.
Actor:
Idris Elba
Favourite Role:
John Luther (Luther)
What to look forward to:
I know Idris, you shouldn't be on this list! You made it... kinda. I don't know why I feel like you still have one more role before I feel like you've fully taken off. I know people keep suggesting Idris for James Bond and Green Lantern but we all know you've got your own super hero/spy hybrid in John Luther! Plus you played Stringer Bell and made Jim look stupid on a consistent basis during your stint on The Office. I guess I want to get to the point where people understand a comic book property would be lucky to have you instead of you needing the comic book franchise or James Bond film.
Actor:
Jay Ellis
Favourite Role:
Lawrence (Insecure)
What to look forward to:
I don't remember Jay Ellis from anything else other than being Lawrence, Issa Dee's boyfriend on Insecure. But what a thing to be known for! The show shifts at a certain point and you're definitely watching Lawrence's struggle and identifying with him just as much as Issa if not more. I truly appreciated his unassuming character who ended up winning me over and making me relate to him in some very real ways. I suppose I have rewatching Grace and Frankie and Masters of Sex to see how I missed him in those shows the first time.
Actor:
Donald Glover
Favourite Role:
Troy Barnes (Community)
What to look forward to:
In terms of acting and stand up, I have not been disappointed in anything Donald has done and I've seen so far. I was really into his early online skits and always looked at him as a great career to try and achieve. Then he hit on hard times it seemed. But we're in post "Redbone" and Atlanta times. Donald is about to be Simba, he's the third person on this list in Spider-Man: Homecoming and I can't wait for another season of Atlanta so it's a great time to be a fan of Donald Glover despite my frustration with the fact that he couldn't find his way back to Community for one more Troy and Abed in the morning!
Actor:
William Jackson Harper
Favourite Role:
Chidi Anagonye (The Good Place)
What to look forward to:
Chidi is the man on The Good Place! I appreciate the fact that he feels like a three dimensional character. Yes he's book smart, but he doubts himself and doesn't want to hurt anyone. An all around good guy who still gets under your skin with his indecisiveness. What a concept! A black male who isn't just a dummy or the cool guy! William as Chidi is afforded the same opportunities as his white peers in similar positions on NBC shows. I found William to be the best part of Paterson (which surprised me) so I'm hoping he can continue the hot streak.
Actor:
Michael B. Jordan
Favourite Role:
Steve Montgomery (Chronicle)
What to look forward to:
Yes I know Michael was on the amazing The Wire but Chronicle was the movie that made me see that Michael wasn't just going to play black guys from the wrong side of the tracks. Michael got to be a popular kid without playing to his ethnicity. You'll be hardpressed to find a bigger Michael B. Jordan fan than me. I am all in for his body of work. I didn't hate Fantastic Four as much as everyone else, I saw Creed for him even though I hadn't (and still haven't) seen a full Rocky movie in my life. Some people are tired of him, but he's close to graduating to full blown star and I would love for that to happen as he shows he doesn't always have to be the pretty boy. He's going to be Kilmonger in Black Panther and I can't wait to see him as a villain.
Actor:
Daniel Kaluuya
Favourite Role:
Chris Washington (Get Out)
What to look forward to:
Get Out is the goods... Daniel helps make sure that it delivers because he's a lead actor that's able to draw you in instead of shoving his persona down your throat. Makes it easier for the audience to latch on to characteristics they like and start rooting for whatever character Daniel is playing. Even if it's in the ill-fated Kick-Ass 2, Black Mirror, or the amazing Sicario. Daniel is also in Black Panther and I'll be happy to see him there. Unfortunately a certain grad didn't think Daniel should have got the lead in Get Out, but, if things go well in Black Panther, I have a feeling Daniel will be crossing paths with Sammy J someday soon even if it's in an MCU film.
Favourite Role:
Keith & Kenny Yang (22 Jump Street)
What to look forward to:
As much as I loved the cancelled (I think) Lucas Bros Moving Co cartoon, every scene with the Yang twins was amazing in 22 Jump Street. I know it seems unfair to pair them together but I feel like they're all in to be twins in shows like Lady Dynamite and even do stand up together. It's how they're moving right now. I would love for them to get to a place where I know exactly who is Keith and who is Kenneth. I would also love it if they never break up and continue doing things like playing rock, paper, scissors to see who gets shot first.
Actor:
Jason Mitchell
Favourite Role:
Eazy-E (Straight Outta Compton)
What to look forward to:
I legitimate felt like Jason Mitchell should have been nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal of Eazy-E. I don't think his work in the otherwise great Kong: Skull Island has the same impact, however, I feel like Detroit could be another place for him to shine. There's just a certain energy Jason has that makes me want to see him on screen all movie long! I think it'll be interesting to see what he does with that charisma and what types of movies he's able to do in the near future.
Actor:
Shameik Moore
Favourite Role:
Malcolm (Dope)
What to look forward to:
Mr. Shoalin Fantastic himself! I definitely liked the second batch of The Get Down episodes way more than I liked the first batch. But what never wavered throughout that show was my enthusiasm for Shameik Moore who first wowed me in Dope. A movie I don't think get's enough credit for actually being dope! If I'm being honest, yes, I am very excited that he will be joining the superhero world by playing Miles Morales in the animated Spider-Man film coming out sometime next year. That type of visibility is exactly what Mr. Moore needs coming off of the momentum of the Get Down!
Actor:
Trevante Rhodes
Favourite Role:
"Black" Chiron (Moonlight)
What to look forward to:
Trevante Rhodes played the oldest Chrion in the best film of 2016, Moonlight! Trevante was also in the first episode of Westworld... so that's not too shabby either! Even though he looks like he'd be all bravado, there is a kindness and depth to Trevante's approach that I feel should be used by more people! Like say the DCEU was open to some casting choices... and they wanted to go younger than Sterling K. Brown as John Stewart... maybe they choose Trevante since they already have a Cyborg. I'm also hoping to see him used effectively in The Predators. We've seen him do indie, now let's see him take on big budget and make sure he becomes a household name that can also do thoughtful indies.
Actor:
Sam Richardson
Favourite Role:
Richard Splett (Veep)
What to look forward to:
You gotta watch out for Sam. He'll throw in some of the funniest stuff you've heard but he says it so matter of factly you might miss it. What I love about Sam is his replay value. You can find something new to laugh about in a scene you've seen two or three times before because he's that good. I haven't started yet but I'm glad he's got his own show Detroiters and I will watch that in good time. While I think he's firing on all cylinders on Veep I fear he's getting sidelined in films. Sure he's in a lot of them but he rarely gets to do what he does best or make much of an impact. I feel like Office Christmas Party, more so than Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates, was the closest to him being able to do his thing in a movie and I want to see more of that.
Actor:
Lakeith Stanfield
Favourite Role:
Darius (Atlanta)
What to look forward to:
This was hard to choose my favourite because Lakeith is an amazing actor. Remember how excited you were with his Snoop Dogg reveal in Straight Outta Compton? Remember how he showed he could do the indie thing in Short Term 12. Or how cool it was when he started signing with JGL in Snowden? Dude is close to the being the best part of any project he is a part of. Don't even get me started on his Get Out performance! So it comes down to the most time spent with him which is Atlanta. He's also going to show up in War Machine with RJ so I'm looking forward to that and other movies that allow him to be more than just one thing as a character.
Actor:
Michael K. Williams
Favourite Role:
Omar Little (The Wire)
What to look forward to:
No disrespect, Mike! I know you've done a lot since The Wire... but, bruh! Omar is one of the best characters in television history. When Omar jumped out of the window to escape certain death I knew I was watching the closest thing to a black man playing Batman I'd ever get. I definitely enjoyed his enigmatic role in The Night Of last year and I thought Assassin's Creed would be good because of his involvement. However, the fact that he's going to be in the Han Solo solo movie next year definitely makes me excited. I love the idea of Michael getting to play all sorts of characters and not just a menacing presence in a film or TV show. Because, that's what made Omar great. He was the most feared man on the block but he had a code, he loved, he had insecurities, he felt like a real person... until he jumped out that window.
-YG