There have been many music artists who have successfully transitioned into acting careers. Some examples of musicians who have received critical acclaim for their acting include Queen Latifah, Will Smith, and Lady Gaga. However, opinions on who is the "best" can vary depending on personal taste and criteria for judging acting ability. Artists that sing do not always have the ability to act but there are few in my opinion that have the capability to do it well - act that is. My list is made up of people who happen to sing and act, based on how well their skill of acting is, not the singing. We will leave the singing issue for another list.
- Gwen
#1 Cher—Moonstruck
The best part of Cher's performance in this film is that you truly never think of her as Cher the singer. She embodied the part of Loretta Castorini and you never question if she is Italian it's a given as you enjoy her acting. Cher won Best Actress Academy Award and Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy Golden Globe for her performance in this film.
Check Availability
#2 Diana Ross—Lady Sings the Blues
This film was Diana Ross' feature film debut and it is specular. Diana Ross received much praise for her portrayal of the tragic life of Billie Holiday. She was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress and won a Golden Globe for her performance. Many people consider her acting to be exceptional in the film. Ross was nominated for Best Academy Award, Best Actress in a Leading Role British Academy Film Awards nomination, Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama Golden Globe Awards, and won Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture NAACP Image Awards.
Check Availability
#3 Jennifer Lopez—Selena
Jennifer Lopez received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Selena in the 1997 film. Many praised her for capturing Selena's essence and bringing her to life on the screen. She was even nominated for a Golden Globe for her performance. Overall, her acting in Selena was widely regarded as impressive and one of the highlights of the film. Lopez won the Outstanding Actress in a Feature Film ALMA Award, and won the Best Actress Lone Star Film & Television Award for her performance in this film.
Check Availability
#4 Janet Jackson—Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married Too?
Janet Jackson's acting in Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married Too? received mixed reviews. Some critics praised her performance, while others felt that it lacked depth and emotional range. Overall, it seems that her acting was decent but not exceptional. But my opinion is that it was the best. I believe she showed range and was very good at becoming an emotional woman who was very strong at the same time. Jackson was nominated for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture NAACP Image Award for her performance in this film.
Check Availability
#5 Barbra Streisand—The Way We Were
Barbra Streisand's acting performance in "The Way We Were" is widely regarded as exceptional and has been praised by both audiences and critics alike. She skillfully portrayed the complex and emotional character of Katie Morosky with depth and authenticity, earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role. Many consider her performance to be one of the highlights of the film and a testament to her talent as an actress. Streisand was also nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role British Academy Film Award, won Best Foreign Actress David di Donatello Award, nominated for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama Golden Globe Award, won Best Actress International Film Festival of India Award.
Check Availability#6 Bette Midler—The Rose
#7 Will Smith—Ali
#8 Jennifer Hudson—Dreamgirls
#9 Dolly Parton—9 to 5
#10 Tupac Shakur—Poetic Justice
#11 Mariah Carey—The Butler
#12 Kris Kristofferson—A Star is Born
#13 Lena Horne—Cabin in the Sky
#14 Elvis Presley—Jailhouse Rock
#15 Vanessa Williams—Soul Food
#16 Common—Selma
#17 Queen Latifah—Chicago
#18 Michael Jackson—The Wiz
#19 Judy Garland—The Wizard of Oz
#20 Lady Gaga—House of Gucci
About the Author
Gwen has been working in Technical Services at EPL since 2005. She enjoys reading Amish & Christian fiction, African-American non-fiction, and all things with her grandchildren.