Being a legend is more than a title; it’s about building an imprint through work that influences future generations. From Denzel Washington to Janet Jackson, Black entertainment has produced a class of icons whose careers have shaped the culture. Now, a new generation is following their blueprint. Enter Michael B. Jordan and Teyana Taylor: two creative powerhouses actively cementing icon status and carving out their own spot in the pantheon of Black Hollywood royalty, amongst many others.
The Root gathered the trailblazers who built the foundation, and the dynamic stars taking the baton to run their own iconic leg of the race.
Denzel Washington — Acting Legend
Denzel Washington has proven his status as a Hollywood acting giant—building a career spanning five decades—who has helped redefine what Black men can achieve. His films have grossed more than $4.5 billion worldwide across 60+ theatrical releases, including “American Gangster” ($269M) and “The Equalizer” franchise (nearly $574.4M combined).
With two Academy Awards, a Tony, and two Golden Globes, his real magic lies in how deeply he is revered by audiences: when Denzel is on screen, Black households sit up, lean in, and celebrate an artist who never compromised his dignity for the industry. Through directing and producing masterpieces like “Fences” and “Antwone Fisher,” he continues to protect, elevate, and pass the torch of Black storytelling.
Michael B. Jordan — Rising Star
Michael B. Jordan is emerging as one of the hottest actors in Hollywood. From “Fruitvale Station” to the “Creed” franchise, Jordan has built a career around powerful performances, and he can back up his talent with some pretty impressive box office receipts.
Taking home the 2026 Best Actor Oscar for “Sinners” wasn’t just a monumental personal win—it was a culture-defining flex that locks in Michael B. Jordan’s status as an emerging Hollywood legend.
John Singleton — Legendary Filmmaker
John Singleton’s 1991 debut, “Boyz n the Hood,” became an instant classic and made history—earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay, and making him the first African American and youngest person ever nominated for Best Director at just 24 years old.
He went on to win the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best New Director and MTV Film and TV Awards for Best New Filmmaker, among other accolades. The trailblazer, who paved the way for future Black filmmakers in Hollywood through his authentic storytelling, also directed and produced influential projects including “Poetic Justice,” “Shaft,” and “2 Fast 2 Furious.”
Ryan Coogler — Expanding the Blueprint
If John Singleton proved that Black stories could shatter Hollywood’s conventions, Ryan Coogler proved they could dominate the entire global box office. The Oakland native has consistently turned Black perspective into commercial success, making history with “Black Panther” (2018) as it pulled in $1.35 billion to become the highest-grossing film by a Black director in history.
Now decorated with an Oscar and a Golden Globe, Coogler continues to push artistic boundaries with works like “Sinners,” cementing a track record that bridges deep cultural soul with massive commercial power.
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Janet Jackson — The Supreme Icon of Screen & Stage
Janet Jackson has dedicated more than four decades to redefining what it means to be a pop and R&B superstar, blending fashion, music, and visual storytelling into a solid brand. From her albums “Control” and “Rhythm Nation 1814,” she set the standard for female artists to have creative control over their work. Her 2023–2024 “Together Again” tour earned $50.9 million and sold 479,000 tickets across the U.S., according to Billboard Boxscore—and that’s just when it comes to music.
The five-time Grammy Award winner first captivated audiences as a child star playing Penny on “Good Times,” Charlene on “Diff’rent Strokes,” and Cleo on “Fame,” laying a foundation rooted in versatility and screen presence as a true living legend.
Teyana Taylor — Entertainment ‘IT’ Girl
Seemingly following in Janet Jackson’s footsteps, Teyana Taylor has established herself as one of the most versatile Black women in entertainment, excelling as a dancer, singer, director, and actress while making a fashion impact that spans generations.
From her unforgettable “My Super Sweet 16” episode on MTV in 2007 to the Academy Awards stage 19 years later, it’s no wonder why she was honored as BET’s 2026 Icon of the Year—an honor presented by Janet Jackson. She has won her first Golden Globe, multiple BET Awards, and an NAACP Image Award following her triumphant Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress for “One Battle After Another.”
Victoria Monét — Multi-Dimensional Artist
Victoria Monét has been following the Janet Jackson blueprint long before she became a star in her own right. After spending years writing hits for Ariana Grande, Chloe x Halle, Coco Jones, and many others, her debut album “Jaguar II” brought her ten Grammy nominations and three wins—including Best New Artist—plus multiple BET Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and a GLAAD Media Award. Not to mention her viral choreography that often has TikTok in a chokehold.
Riding the wave of R&B’s evolution, she’s architecting its future with her sophomore album, “Frequency of Love,” releasing on October 2, marking her next chapter as a multi-hyphenate.
Spike Lee — Visionary Director
Spike Lee has spent more than four decades challenging Hollywood through provocative storytelling, innovative visuals, and social commentary on race and Black culture. From “Do the Right Thing” to “Malcolm X” to “BlacKkKlansman,” his work remains central in Black cinema and continues to influence generations of filmmakers.
By kicking off the careers of legendary Black actors, cinematographers, and crew members through 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks, the two-time Emmy winner and two-time Academy Award winner has built an infrastructure that makes his movies box office gold.
Jordan Peele — Conscious Storyteller
Following in Spike Lee’s tradition of vivid imagery, Jordan Peele has carved out his own lane through horror and psychological thrillers. Delivering box office success with “Get Out”(2017), “Us”(2019), and “Nope” (2022), Peele’s movies has accumulated $682M, catapulting him as one of the top directors of our time.
With multiple Emmy nominations and one win, Critics’ Choice, and Writers Guild wins, Peele has proven that socially conscious Black storytelling can also bring commercial success.
Queen Latifah — Rap Pioneer
Dana Owens, better known as Queen Latifah, has cemented her status as a legend through a decorated career as a Grammy-winning rapper, Oscar-nominated actress, Emmy and Golden Globe winner, producer, and entrepreneur. And we can’t forget her unforgettable run as a talk show host!
As one of hip-hop’s pioneering female MCs, Queen Latifah brought an undeniable warmth, royalty, and sisterhood to every screen she graced. From “Living Single” to “Girl’s Trip,” The Kennedy Center honoree shattered glass ceilings with grace, and created a legacy where Black women don’t just participate in the culture, but own and execute it from the executive suite down—all while rocking her signature honey-blonde tresses.
Keke Palmer — Entertainment Mogul
Carving out an undeniable lane of her own, Keke Palmer is rapidly claiming her crown as the leader of Hollywood’s new school. Much like Queen Latifah before her, Palmer has built an empire as a beloved multi-hyphenate—seamlessly blurring the lines between award-winning actress, singer, host, and media mogul.
She has earned two Primetime Emmys and eight NAACP Image Awards, with 24 wins and 60+ nominations overall. Palmer also made history as the first Black woman to solo-host the MTV Video Music Awards in 2020, and became the first Black woman to be nominated for Outstanding Host for a Game Show Emmy Award—which she won for NBC’s “Password.”
Missy Elliott — Hip Hop Visionary
Missy Elliott broke into hip-hop, warped space and time, and reshaped it in her own image. Long before social media demand forced artists into high-concept visual budgets, “Misdemeanor” was redefining pop culture with inflatable trash-bag suits and surreal music videos that made the 2000s feel like 3005.
From albums “Supa Dupa Fly” and “Under Construction” to her record-shattering “Out of This World” arena tour, her vision consistently remains the blueprint to individuality. She has won four Grammy Awards, eight MTV Video Awards (including the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award), and was inducted as the first female rapper into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2023.
Doechii — Standout Music Act
Doechii is the face of boldness and fearless experimentation for the new generation. Recognized for pushing the musical boundaries of rap—like Missy Elliott—through her theatrical performances, authentic sound, and standout visual identity, she has earned multiple nominations and awards, including two Grammy Awards. Her artistic creativity and confidence is making her one of rap’s most compelling voices.
