Actor name Era Notable works Legacy Denzel washington 1980s - Present Training Day, Malcolm X Two-time Oscar winner, cultural icon Morgan Freeman 1970s – Present The Shawshank Redemption, Driving Miss Daisy Revered for gravitas, narration, and mentoring roles Idris Elba 2000s – Present Luther, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Famous English star, versatile in drama and action Jamie Foxx 1990s – Present Ray, Django Unchained Academy Award winner, actor-singer-comedian Michael B.