In Hollywood’s glittering universe, a new generation of Black women is rewriting the rules, redefining success, and shaping the future of entertainment. Led by formidable figures such as Zendaya, Issa Rae, and Ayo Edebiri, this dynamic wave of talent is each making monumental strides in their respective fields. And they are not alone; they are part of a broader movement of Black women who are breaking barriers, signing lucrative deals, and amplifying their voices in an industry historically resistant to change.
Zendaya: The Quintessential Multi-Hyphenate
Let’s start with Zendaya– her ascent to Hollywood (and fashion) royalty is nothing short of meteoric. From her early days on Disney Channel’s “Shake It Up” to her Emmy-winning performance in HBO’s “Euphoria”, Zendaya has consistently demonstrated her versatility and megawatt star power. In 2021, she made history by becoming the youngest woman ever to win an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, a testament to her impact on television.
Beyond acting, Zendaya is already a fashion icon and luxury brand powerhouse, seemingly born with the perfect combination of actress and everything that makes a model a model. She has graced the covers of major glossy magazines and served as a global ambassador for upmarket brands such as Lancôme, Valentino, and Bulgari. Her influence also extends into film production; she recently inked a deal with Warner Bros. for her production company, leveraging her clout to produce content that amplifies diverse voices.
Ayo Edebiri: The Comedy Connoisseur
Ayo Edebiri’s rise in the comedy world symbolizes the fresh, authentic voices reshaping Hollywood’s comedic landscape. Best known for her role as Sydney in FX’s critically acclaimed series “The Bear”, Edebiri has garnered attention for her razor-sharp wit and distinctive comedic timing. Her journey from stand-up comedy to screenwriting and acting highlights her multifaceted talent.
Edebiri’s influence is rising rapidly. In addition to covering the June 2024 issue of Vanity Fair, she recently joined the writing staff of “Big Mouth”, Netflix’s hit animated series, and co-hosts the podcast “Iconography”, where she explores the cultural significance of various icons. Her ability to navigate multiple platforms underscores her adaptability and creative prowess, making her a standout figure in contemporary comedy.
Edebiri has even managed to endear herself to people across the pond– a joke she made during a red carpet interview about spending time in Ireland to research the character of the donkey “Jenny” in the movie “The Banshees of Inisherin” has become a running gag, and led to Ireland adopting the Boston-born actress as their own “Irish Princess.”
Issa Rae: The Maverick Mogul
Issa Rae’s career trajectory is a masterclass in turning passion into power. From her groundbreaking web series “The Misadventures of an Awkward Black Girl” to the critically acclaimed HBO series “Insecure”, Rae has consistently pushed the envelope in storytelling. “Insecure” earned multiple Emmy nominations and cemented Rae’s status as a trailblazer in the industry.
Rae’s business acumen is equally impressive. In 2021, she signed an overall deal with WarnerMedia, valued at $40M, to produce television projects across their platforms. She is also the CEO of Hoorae Media, a multi-faceted entertainment company encompassing film, television, and digital content. Rae’s ventures extend to the music industry with the launch of her record label, Raedio, which provides a platform for underrepresented artists. Along with Ayo Edebiri, Rae’s specific brand of quirkiness with a side of sharply agile intelligence makes room for different types of Black female characters that are not reliant on tired and flat representations of Black women.
As if Zendaya, Edebiri, and Rae aren’t enough, they are only part of a larger cohort of Black women making significant impacts in Hollywood. Here are a few more names redefining the landscape and getting noticed by brands who want to capitalize on their star power:
British-Ghanian actress, writer, and producer Michaela Coel made waves with her devastating HBO series “I May Destroy You”, a raw, unflinching exploration of trauma and consent. Coel’s fearless storytelling earned her an Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series, and she continues to be a vital voice in contemporary drama.
Regina King is an Oscar-winning actress and acclaimed director, whose recent debut with “One Night in Miami” showcased her talent behind the camera. Her production deal with Netflix aims to bring more diverse stories to the forefront, solidifying her influence both in front of and behind the lens.
A powerhouse performer and producer, Viola Davis has been instrumental in advocating for more inclusive representation in Hollywood. Through her production company, JuVee Productions, she works to develop stories that reflect the complexity and richness of the Black experience in America.
Misha Green is the creator of the critically acknowledged series “Lovecraft Country”. Green has proven her skill in blending genres and addressing social issues in her work. Her recent deal with Apple TV+ to develop and produce new projects further expands her footprint in the industry.
And of course, there is Quinta Brusnon. A multi-talented writer, producer, actress, and comedian, Brunson rose to fame with her Instagram series “The Girl Who’s Never Been on a Nice Date”. After creating viral content for BuzzFeed, she gained even further acclaim with “A Black Lady Sketch Show” and created the hit ABC series “Abbott Elementary”, a show that trains its eye on the challenges of teachers in an underfunded Philadelphia school.
The Power Moves
Earlier, we mentioned lucrative deals that have resulted from the incredible success each of these women has had in Hollywood. They are not only changing the narrative on screen; they are making strategic business moves that ensure their influence endures. Here’s a closer look at some of their power moves:
Zendaya’s deal with Warner Bros. for her production company showcases her commitment to creating content that reflects diverse perspectives. Additionally, her collaboration with fashion luxury powerhouses Valentino and Bulgari has solidified her status as a style icon, blending entertainment with high fashion in a way that Anna Wintour has dreamt of since she took the reigns at Vogue decades ago.
The $40M overall deal that Issa Rae inked with WarnerMedia allows Rae to continue producing boundary-pushing content. Her establishment of Raedio highlights her dedication to providing platforms for underrepresented artists, merging the worlds of music and television.
After the success of “I May Destroy You” Michaela Coel continues to leverage her creative control to bring authentic and bold narratives to the screen. Her work exemplifies the power of storytelling in addressing critical societal issues.
Regina King’s directorial success with “One Night in Miami” has opened doors for more opportunities behind the camera, dovetailing with her mission to amplify diverse voices through her production company, Royal Ties Productions.
The new wave of Black women power players in Hollywood is not just a fleeting trend; it’s a seismic shift. Zendaya, Ayo Edebiri, Issa Rae, and their equally talented contemporaries are redefining what it means to be a Black woman in entertainment. Through their exceptional talent, strategic business moves, and unwavering commitment to representation, they are paving the way for future generations. The movie business is in a state of flux, on several levels, but when the dust settles, these women will be at the forefront of the new Hollywood.
