Rarely are Black actresses presented as beautiful, desirable characters who are sensual and intelligent. These “bronze goddesses” defied the odds and presented magnificent beauty on film and changed audiences perception of beauty…

20. Diva (France, 1981) starring Cynthia Hawkins

19. Xica da Silva (Brazil, 1976) starring Zezé Motta

17. Island in the Sun (USA, 1957) starring Dorothy Dandridge

16. Stormy Weather (USA, 1943) starring Lena Horne

15. Dreamgirls (2006) starring Jennifer Hudson, Beyonce Knowles, Anika Noni Rose

14. Blacula (USA, 1972) starring Vonnetta McGee

13. Anna Lucasta (USA, 1959) starring Eartha Kitt

12. The Princess and the Frog (USA, 2009) starring Anika Noni Rose

11. Coffy (USA, 1973) starring Pam Grier

10. The Prince of Egypt (USA, 1998) starring characters Tzipporah and The Queen of Egypt

9. Black Girl (Senegal, 1966)

8. The Matrix (USA, 1999) & The Matrix Reloaded (2003) starring two difference “Oracles”: Gloria Foster and Mary Alice

7. Princess Tam-Tam (France, 1935) starring Josephine Baker

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFf04zGVhKo[/youtube]

6. Gang Smashers (USA, 1938) starring Nina McKinney

5. Cleopatra Jones (USA, 1973) starring Tamara Dobson

4. Cabin in the Sky (USA, 1943) starring Ethel Waters, Lena Horne and dancer Katherine Dunham

3. Sparkle (USA, 1976) starring Irene Cara, Lonette McKee and Dwan Smith

2. Black Orpheus (1959) starring Marpessa Dawn

1. Carmen Jones (USA, 1954)