Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor

Aunjanue L. Ellis-Taylor, born February 21, 1969, is a versatile American actress who has captured the hearts and minds of audiences with her powerful performances in film and television. Over the years, she's accumulated several accolades, including Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Primetime Emmy Award nominations, all testament to her undeniable talent.

Ellis' career began to take off in the late '90s with appearances in critically acclaimed films like "Men of Honor" (2000) and "Undercover Brother" (2002). However, it was her transformative role as Mahalia Jackson in the biographical drama "Ray" (2004) that truly set her apart. This performance led to a string of memorable roles in films such as "Freedomland" (2006), "The Taking of Pelham 123" (2009), and "The Help" (2011). In 2016, she starred in the critically acclaimed film "The Birth of a Nation," further solidifying her status as an esteemed actress.

In 2021, Ellis was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Oracene Price in the sports drama "King Richard." More recently, she has appeared in "The Color Purple" (2023), "Origin" (2023), and "Nickel Boys" (2024).

Just as impressive is Ellis' presence on television. From her regular roles in series like "High Incident" (1996-1997) and "The Practice" (1999) to recurring appearances in "True Blood" (2008) and "The Mentalist" (2010-2013), her ability to embody a variety of characters has kept audiences enthralled. Additionally, she starred in television films like "Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story" (2009), "Abducted: The Carlina White Story" (2013), and "The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel" (2020).

In the miniseries "The Book of Negroes" (2015) and series "Quantico" (2015-2017), Ellis continued to captivate audiences with her dynamic performances. Her work in the miniseries "When They See Us" (2019) earned her a Primetime Emmy Award nomination, while her role in the series "Lovecraft Country" (2021) solidified another nomination for the prestigious award.

Aunjanue L. Ellis-Taylor's body of work is nothing short of extraordinary, showcasing an actress who continues to captivate and inspire through her transformative performances on both the big screen and the small.