While racists continue to cry “anti-woke” tears over Lupita Nyong’o’s casting as Helen of Troy, a.k.a the most beautiful woman in the world, in the upcoming film, “The Odyssey,” we at The Root started thinking about a handful of other Black women who fit that same category.
Whether they’re “dark brown, dark-skinned, light-skinned, beige, fluorescent beige,” or any other shade of brown, Black women have long been the beauty blueprint, despite what mainstream media and movies have led you to believe. And since Helen of Troy was such a stunner that she is credited in Greek mythology with causing the start of the Trojan War, we’re providing you with this list of beautiful Black stars who could do this gorgeous fictional character justice.
Related: Lupita Nyong’o Claps Back at Racist The Odyssey Critics
Sanaa Lathan
It’s crazy to think that Sanaa Lathan has been this gorgeous all her life, but with that many years of glamorous experience, she should definitely be a contender for Helen of Troy.
Anok Yai
Anok Yai’s out-of-this-world elegance is something even the best of our imaginations couldn’t conjure up. Picking her to portray Helen of Troy feels extremely apropos.
Deborah Ayorinde
The very first time we saw Deborah Ayorinde in “Girls Trip,” we immediately fell in love. Do you see what a beauty she is? Give this woman everything, ASAP! And you can start with the label of “the most beautiful woman in the world.”
Nia Long
What’s understood doesn’t have to be explained, and that’s exactly the case when it comes to Nia Long and her timeless fineness. This woman definitely could be cast as Helen of Troy. This isn’t up for debate.
Rihanna
Do we really have to explain this one? It’s Rihanna, for crying out loud. Let’s move on.
Kelly Rowland
Kelly Rowland told us a long time ago that she was gonna bump like this, and we believed her. But over the last several years, she’s been bumping higher and higher on the list of utterly gorgeous women. That’s why we’re tapping her as one of our picks for Helen of Troy.
Shannon Thornton
This one is for all my “P-Valley” folks. We would give Miss Mississippi our vote for the most beautiful woman in the world with the quickness! Look at the material!
Adut Akech
Adut Akech may have put her modeling career on pause to be a mom, but we all know she’s a “muva” whose face card slays regularly. Who else would be a better fit for Helen of Troy?
Leomie Anderson
It should be a crime that we don’t see model Leoomie Anderson out and about as much as we should! She’s a looker from head to toe and would certainly meet the criteria for “the most beautiful woman in the world.”
Olandria
There’s a reason why Olandria Carthen skyrocketed from “Love Island” fame to a fashion week beauty. Just look at her! Who wouldn’t cast this face as “the most beautiful woman in the world?”
Yara Shahidi
While Yara Shahidi has kept a relatively low profile recently, fans of “Black-ish” and “Grown-ish” already know how stylish and beautiful she is! Playing a young Helen of Troy would only make sense.
Lauren London
While you can’t see them in this picture, Lauren London and her deep dimples have been making us give her the heart eyes since she came on the scene. It should be a no-brainer that this stunner made the list.
Tems
Not only does Tems have a beautiful voice, but her face card doesn’t decline either! She looks like my Helen of Troy any day!
