For years, actors of Nigerian descent have been making their mark on the global stage, but in recent times, their presence has become undeniable. These talented Nigerians took the industry by storm, picking up key roles and delivering back-to-back peak performances, breaking barriers, and achieving widespread recognition.

Leading this charge are a host of super talents who have made a name for themselves in one of the world's most competitive film industries:

Chiwetel Ejiofor

Chiwetel Umeadi Ejiofor is a British actor of Nigerian descent. He was born in London to Igbo parents, Obiajulu Justina and Arinze Ejiofor, who emigrated from Nigeria during its civil war. Ejiofor's career is marked by awards and achievements from his powerful and unforgettable performances. One such performance was his portrayal of Solomon Northup in 12 Years a Slave, which earned him a BAFTA win and an Academy Award nomination, among many others. He has featured in notable roles in Doctor Strange, Children of Men, American Gangster, and The Lion King, among many others, and is set to feature in The Old Guard 2 (2025).

David Oyelowo

David Oyetokunbo Oyelowo is another British actor of Nigerian descent, known for his ability to embody complex historical figures. David Oyelowo delivered a sensational performance as Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma, which resonated with audiences and critics alike, earning him multiple award nominations, including a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Motion Picture (Drama) and an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture, which he won. Oyelowo also boasts a repertoire of performances in notable roles in The Butler, Interstellar, and A United Kingdom, evidence of his range and commitment to impactful storytelling. Outside of acting, he has also ventured into film production and has produced films like The Water Man, Come Away, Don’t Let Go, Captive, and A United Kingdom. He features in this year's Apple TV+ series Government Cheese and is also an executive producer of the upcoming television adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart.

Uzo Aduba

Uzoamaka Nwanneka "Uzo" Aduba is an American actress of Nigerian descent, known for her unforgettable portrayal of Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren in the groundbreaking Netflix series Orange is the New Black, a spectacular performance that earned her multiple Emmy Awards across several categories, a rare feat in the industry.

 Aduba has featured in a wide range of movies like Mrs. America, In Treatment, Lightyear, Steven Universe: The Movie, and National Champions, to name a few, which underscores her dynamic range as an actress, spanning live-action dramas, comedies, and voice performances in animated features. She will feature in the upcoming crime drama Roofman, which is set to release on October 3, 2025.

John Boyega

Bursting onto the global scene as Finn in the latest Star Wars trilogy, John Boyega quickly became a fan favourite, but his career started much earlier. 

The British-Nigerian actor began his career in 2009 with a supporting role in the 2009 British television film Shoot the Messenger. His first major film role and breakthrough performance came in 2011, when he starred as Moses in the critically acclaimed sci-fi action film Attack the Block, a role that brought him widespread attention and launched his international acting career. Boyega has gone on to demonstrate his versatility with roles in hard-hitting films like Pacific Rim, Detroit and the historical epic The Woman King.

Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje

Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje is a familiar face in both film and television. He is another British actor of Nigerian descent, known for his strong screen presence and versatile acting. He gained attention for his role as Mr. Eko in the popular series Lost and later appeared as Killer Croc in the action-packed movie Suicide Squad. He has also taken on roles in Oz, Game of Thrones, Pompeii, and Thor: The Dark World, evidence of his ability to take on a range of characters.

Yvonne Orji

Gaining widespread popularity as Molly Carter in the critically acclaimed HBO comedy "Insecure," Yvonne Orji is one of the new up-and-coming industry talents of Nigerian descent. The Nigerian-American has starred in films such as Vacation Friends and Night School.

Damson Idris

Damson Alade-Bo Idris is an English actor of Nigerian descent best known for his captivating lead performance as Franklin Saint in the compelling crime drama series Snowfall, which highlighted his talent and ability to embody and portray complex and morally ambiguous characters and earned him multiple nominations and awards, including BET and NAACP Image Awards. Damson has also performed in films such as F1, Outside the Wire, Swarm, and Farming. He is also set to feature in the upcoming American fantasy film Children of Bone and Blood.

Ayo Edebiri

Ayo Edebiri is another breakout star who has quickly become a darling of critics and audiences alike. She garnered significant attention and accolades for her role as Sydney Adamu in the hit series The Bear. Her performance, which blended sharp comedic nuances and dramatic abilities, drew the praise of critics and audiences alike and earned her several nominations and awards, including an Emmy and a Golden Globe, setting her up for a bright future in the industry. She has starred in films like Inside Out 2, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, Bottoms, and Omni Loop, to name but a few. Ayo also features in this year's Marvel Studios release, Thunderbolts*, and stars in the upcoming movies After the Hunt and Ella MacCay.

Nigerian talents are no longer on the sidelines but at the centre of the story. These Nigerian actors are not just finding success in Hollywood; they’re changing it. With every role, they're challenging stereotypes, expanding narratives, and bringing African stories to the global stage.

You can catch on to these stars' movies on UPreviews.