By Ayo Onikoyi

Nigerian actors have been making significant strides in Hollywood, bringing their unique talents and cultural perspectives to the global film industry.

Their contributions span various genres and roles, showcasing the depth and versatility of Nigerian artistry.

Chiwetel Ejiofor

Born to Nigerian parents of Igbo descent, Chiwetel Ejiofor has garnered international acclaim for his compelling performances. His portrayal of Solomon Northup in 12 Years a Slave earned him an Academy Award nomination. Ejiofor has also appeared in notable films such as Doctor Strange, The Lion King (2019), and The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, which marked his directorial debut.

John Boyega

British actor John Boyega, born to Nigerian parents, gained prominence for his role as Finn in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. He has also delivered powerful performances in films like The Woman King, They Cloned Tyrone, and Detroit. Beyond acting, Boyega is an advocate for social justice and has ventured into production to create opportunities for underrepresented voices in the film industry.

David Oyelowo

With roots in western and southeastern Nigeria, David Oyelowo is renowned for his portrayal of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma, earning him critical acclaim. His diverse filmography includes roles in The Butler, A United Kingdom, and Queen of Katwe. Oyelowo has also directed and produced projects like The Water Man, demonstrating his commitment to bringing diverse stories to the screen.

Uzo Aduba

American actress Uzo Aduba, of Nigerian descent, is widely recognized for her role as Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren in Orange Is the New Black, earning her multiple Emmy Awards. She has also portrayed activist Shirley Chisholm in Mrs. America and starred in In Treatment, showcasing her range in both drama and comedy.

Yvonne Orji

Nigerian-American actress and comedian Yvonne Orji is best known for her role as Molly Carter on HBO’s Insecure. Her performance earned her critical acclaim and several award nominations. Orji has also released an HBO comedy special, Momma, I Made It!, and authored the book Bamboozled by Jesus, blending humor and inspiration.

Hakeem Kae-Kazim

British-Nigerian actor Hakeem Kae-Kazim gained attention for his role as Georges Rutaganda in Hotel Rwanda. He has since appeared in major films like Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End and TV series such as 24: Redemption and Black Sails. Kae-Kazim has also contributed to the Nigerian film industry, starring in films like Last Flight to Abuja and Half of a Yellow Sun.

Dayo Okeniyi

Nigerian-American actor Dayo Okeniyi first gained recognition for his role as Thresh in The Hunger Games (2012). He has since appeared in films like Terminator Genisys and the animated series Iwájú. Okeniyi has also starred in TV series such as Shades of Blue alongside Jennifer Lopez.

Tomiwa Edun

British-Nigerian actor Tomiwa Edun is known for his portrayal of Sir Elyan in the TV series Merlin. He also provided the voice and motion capture for Alex Hunter in the FIFA video game series. Edun has appeared in projects like Doctor Who and What Happened to Monday, showcasing his versatility across different mediums.

Cynthia Erivo

British actress and performer Cynthia Erivo, of Nigerian descent, is on the cusp of achieving EGOT status, having already won an Emmy, Grammy, and Tony for her role in The Color Purple. Her notable performances include portraying Harriet Tubman in Harriet, Aretha Franklin in Genius: Aretha, and roles in films like Widows and Bad Times at the El Royale.

These actors exemplify the growing influence of Nigerian talent in Hollywood, enriching the industry with diverse narratives and authentic cultural representations.