Jamie Foxx doesn’t just act—he transforms. Over the years, the Oscar-winning actor, singer, and comedian has delivered performance after performance packed with emotional weight, comedic timing, and jaw-dropping charisma. It’s what makes him a perfect recipient for the Ultimate Icon Award at the BET Awards 2025.

Foxx’s legacy spans sketch comedy, dramatic films, radio, music, and even biopics so convincing they became cultural landmarks. He’s one of the few entertainers who can truly do it all, and these ten performances prove just how much of a force he is—on stage, on screen, and in our collective memory.

In a role that earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor, Foxx’s portrayal of Ray Charles is still one of the most transformative biopic performances in film history. But it’s the scene where Ray breaks down in rehab, confronting the trauma of his brother’s death and his addiction, that hits hardest. His trembling voice, strained sobs, and vacant stare all merge to form one of the most unforgettable scenes of his career.

Foxx doesn’t need to raise his voice to deliver a powerful performance. As Walter McMillian, a man wrongfully convicted and placed on death row, Foxx is all restraint and control—until he isn’t. His silent anguish, the look in his eyes as he recounts the pain of being invisible to the justice system, is enough to make anyone stop and reflect. This role reaffirmed that Foxx is not just a star—he’s an artist with purpose.

Before the Oscar came the charm. Foxx’s sitcom featured plenty of comedic moments, but one of its most iconic scenes is when Jamie serenades Fancy with Stevie Wonder’s “Lately.” It’s peak ‘90s romantic comedy, delivered with real musical talent and heart. A reminder that even in a multi-cam setting, Jamie could pull out a moment of sincerity and make you feel it.

Foxx’s turn as Django in Quentin Tarantino’s revisionist western was a role that demanded grit, physicality, and a raw emotional undercurrent. And nowhere is this clearer than in the brutal whipping scene. The fury in his face, the ache in his voice—it wasn’t just Django seeking vengeance; it felt like Foxx carried the weight of ancestral pain.

In another unforgettable moment from Ray, Foxx channels the quiet defiance of a man deciding to fight for his future. Alone in the dark, shaking with withdrawal, Ray refuses a shot of heroin. The scene is haunting—his internal battle playing out entirely in Foxx’s physicality and breath control.

As Max, the quiet cab driver caught in a dangerous night with a hitman, Foxx plays a more subdued but equally captivating role. One particular scene, where Max realizes just how high the stakes are, shows his gift for controlled panic. He doesn’t overact—he simmers, which makes the tension even more real.

In this underappreciated gem, Foxx flexes his dramatic skills as Curtis Taylor Jr., particularly in a gut-wrenching breakup scene with Beyoncé’s Deena. There’s betrayal, ego, and regret—all playing out in real time on his face. You hate him, but you also understand him. That’s the Jamie Foxx magic.

Though a supporting role, Foxx made every second as Muhammad Ali’s hypeman Bundini Brown count. Equal parts comic relief and emotional anchor, Bundini's genuine love for Ali shines through. Jamie layered the character with humor and humanity, proving he can stand out even when he’s not the focus.

Foxx ends this underrated thriller with a chilling reflection on violence that mirrors a line from earlier in the film. It’s a moment that sneaks up on you—thoughtful, cold, and deeply unsettling. With minimal dialogue and no theatrics, he delivers one of his most profound statements.

Playing real-life musician Nathaniel Ayers, a man battling schizophrenia and homelessness, Foxx gave one of his most nuanced performances. He captures Ayers’ brilliance and fragility with such authenticity it’s almost documentary-like. It’s a performance that deserved more awards—and more attention.

These scenes span decades, genres, and mediums. But they all have one thing in common: Jamie Foxx gave everything. Comedy. Drama. Soul. That’s why he’s not just a star—he’s an icon.

Don’t miss Jamie Foxx receive the Ultimate Icon Award at the BET Awards 2025, airing live Monday, June 9 at 8 PM ET/PT only on BET.