2026 is shaping as much as be a unprecedented yr for a number of Black celebrities, with thrilling tasks spanning music, movie, and leisure. After dominating headlines and breaking limitations in 2025, these stars are poised to achieve even larger heights within the coming yr. Followers can count on main releases, high-profile performances, and new ventures that may showcase their skills on a world stage.
From Michael B. Jordan to Teyana Taylor, these Black celebrities have confirmed their affect and flexibility, and 2026 appears to be like set to amplify their impression even additional, with alternatives beaming filled with progress, recognition, and unforgettable moments. Right here’s a have a look at the Black celebrities who’re probably to have a breakout yr in 2026
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1. Teyana Taylor, 35
Teyana Taylor is gearing up for a full artistic resurgence in 2026. She’s nominated for a Grammy for Greatest R&B Album. On the display screen, she has a number of main appearing tasks lined up, together with the Netflix movie The Rip (Jan 2026), the animated function Slime, and can proceed shining within the new Hulu sequence All’s Truthful. Along with her appearing and directing, Taylor is increasing her manufacturing footprint via her firm, The Aunties. With music, style, and movie all on the rise, 2026 might be one in all her greatest creative years but.
2. Zendaya, 29
Zendaya’s 2026 slate is huge and diverse. In keeping with ET, she’s set to star within the romantic comedy The Drama (April 3, 2026, launch), Christopher Nolan’s epic The Odyssey (July 17, 2026), Marvel’s Spider‑Man: Model New Day (July 31, 2026), and the extremely anticipated Dune: Half Three (Dec. 18, 2026). She can be set to headline the return of Euphoria Season 3 in spring 2026, a cultural TV second followers have been ready years for.
3. Aaron Pierre, 31
Aaron Pierre is poised for greater mainstream consideration with HBO’s Lanterns, a brand new DC Universe sequence premiering in mid‑2026. He performs John Stewart, one of many Inexperienced Lanterns, stepping right into a lead superhero function that would considerably elevate his profile. The Hollywood heartthrob can be quietly getting ready for his main debut function within the upcoming Star Wars movie Starfighter, set for launch in 2027.
4. Jaafar Jackson, 29
Jaafar Jackson is about to make a serious impression because the lead within the biopic Michael, portraying his well-known uncle, Michael Jackson. The movie is presently scheduled for an April 2026 launch and has already generated critical buzz as one of many yr’s most talked-about movies.
5. Tanzyn Crawford, 25
Tanzyn Crawford is about to make her main franchise debut as Tanselle within the Sport of Thrones prequel sequence, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, which is scheduled for launch on Jan. 18, 2026. Final month, she obtained business recognition, being named a 2025 CGA Rising Star by the Casting Guild of Australia, a program particularly designed to spotlight actors on the verge of worldwide success.
6. Tems, 30
Nigerian powerhouse Tems continues rising after contributions to international hits and her acclaimed solo music. With new tasks rumored and her affect on worldwide charts rising, 2026 often is the yr she turns into a family title worldwide. In keeping with Von, the Grammy-winning singer introduced throughout a June present in London that she was engaged on a sophomore album for 2026. And followers are keen to listen to it. Till then, the gorgeous hitmaker dropped a shock EP, Love Is a Kingdom, in November, to carry followers over.
7. Coco Jones, 27
Already confirmed as a 2025 Grammy winner and together with her debut album gaining traction, Coco Jones has a serious headlining tour lined up. With new music and broader media visibility in 2026, she’s primed to cement her place as a number one R&B voice absolutely. The star can be engaged on a brand new album, which is able to hopefully drop in 2026. Throughout a Dec. 16 interview with Advanced, the singer stated her subsequent undertaking, “can be all about being in love.”
8. Michael B. Jordan, 38
Michael B. Jordan isn’t slowing down. In 2026, he’ll lend his voice to the animated Netflix journey Swapped, a physique‑swap comedy set in an animal kingdom. He’s additionally constructing momentum behind the digicam and in entrance of it with new tasks—like his upcoming directorial movie and function in The Thomas Crown Affair (slated for 2027) and govt producing a brand new Creed spin-off TV sequence referred to as Delphi for Amazon Prime Video, based on a press launch printed in Might.
9. Samara Pleasure, 26
Grammy Award-winning Jazz sensation Samara Pleasure is bringing the style to new audiences. With main pageant appearances forward and performances scheduled with the Atlanta Symphony Corridor and on the prestigious David Geffen Corridor, 2026 may see her attain even broader acclaim and crossover recognition. In October, she dazzled on The Jennifer Hudson Present with an incredible efficiency, giving new audiences a peek on the musical energy she packs.
10. Doechii, 27
Doechii is poised for a breakout yr, having obtained 5 Grammy nominations for the 2026 Grammy Awards, together with Greatest Rap Tune, Document of the 12 months, Tune of the 12 months, Greatest Music Video, and Greatest Rap Efficiency. With main award nominations, high-profile performances, and a rising affect in music, she is positioned as one of many Black celebrities to additional break into the mainstream in 2026. Followers are additionally hoping for a brand new album from the “Swap Princess” this yr.
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