Hollywood's Top Black Icons
With their energy | talent and innovation | these artists are leaving their mark on Hollywood.
1 / 10
Hollywood's Black Elite - This Black History Month, BET.com celebrates entertainers who, through their innovation and perseverance, are leaving their mark on Hollywood.
2 / 10
Tyler Perry - An actor, playwright, filmmaker and producer, Tyler Perry is breaking box office records with his gospel-themed films. Perry is also the first African American to own a major film studio company.
3 / 10
Will Smith - Rapper-turned-award-winning-actor Will Smith is one of Hollywood's top leading men. One of the film industry's most highly paid -- and most pursued --actors, Smith has starred in 14 films that have each grossed over $100 million.
4 / 10
Gina Prince-Bythewood - Bythewood is a veteran filmmaker with several critically-acclaimed movies under her belt including “The Secret Life of Bees,” “Love and Basketball” and “Disappearing Acts.”
5 / 10
Denzel Washington - Iconic actor and producer who became only the second African American to win an Academy Award for Best Actor.
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6 / 10
John Singleton - Renowned filmmaker most famous for his 1992 coming-of-age classic, “Boyz n the Hood.” John Singleton also produced the critically acclaimed “Hustle & Flow."
7 / 10
Halle Berry - The Academy Award-winning actress is respected for both her acting skills and breathtaking beauty.
8 / 10
Chris Rock - Comedian and social critic whose recent film project, “Good Hair,” received critical acclaim for placing a spotlight on the African-American hair care industry.
9 / 10
Zoe Saldana - The future is now for this talented actress who received rave reviews for her performance in the latest James Cameron blockbuster, “Avatar.” Ms. Saldana also had starring roles in the remake of “Star Trek” and “Pirates of the Caribbean.”