Outstanding Lead Performance
The Outstanding Lead Performance category celebrates actors who have delivered compelling and transformative performances in leading roles. These nominees have brought their characters to life with depth, passion, and authenticity.
Naomi Ackie as Frida
Blink Twice
Naomi Ackie delivers a compelling performance as Frida, a cocktail waitress who becomes entangled in a perilous web of deceit and danger after being invited to a tech billionaire's private island. As the veneer of luxury fades, Frida's resilience and determination drive her to uncover the island's dark secrets, highlighting themes of power dynamics and survival. Ackie's portrayal brings depth and authenticity to the character, anchoring the film's tension and intrigue. In addition to her nomination for Outstanding Breakthrough Performance, this is Ackie's second Bolt nomination and first in this category.
Ryan Destiny as Claressa "T-Rex" Shields
The Fire Inside
Ryan Destiny stars as Claressa "T-Rex" Shields, the young boxing prodigy who fights to balance her personal struggles with her aspirations to become a world champion. Destiny embodies Shields’ tenacity and humanity with a captivating performance. In addition to her nomination for Outstanding Breakthrough Performance, this is Destiny’s second Bolt nomination and first in this category.
Colman Domingo as John "Divine G" Whitfield
Sing Sing
Colman Domingo captivates as John "Divine G" Whitfield, a charismatic leader and mentor within a theater program for incarcerated individuals at the Sing Sing Correctional Facility. Through his performance, Domingo conveys the transformative power of art and the complexities of redemption, delivering a nuanced and deeply emotional portrayal. This is Domingo’s fourth Bolt nomination and second in this category. He previously won Outstanding Supporting Actor in 2022 for Zola.
Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba
Wicked
Cynthia Erivo mesmerizes as Elphaba, the misunderstood and complex figure who evolves into the Wicked Witch of the West. Her performance combines vulnerability, strength, and incredible vocal power, bringing new depth to this iconic role. This is Erivo’s third Bolt nomination and first in this category.
Andre Holland as Michael
Exhibiting Forgiveness
Andre Holland portrays Michael, an artist struggling with personal and societal conflicts as he embarks on a journey of redemption through his art. Holland’s nuanced performance captures the layers of Michael’s emotional complexity. This is Holland’s fourth Bolt nomination and first in this category.
Marianne Jean-Baptiste as Pansy Deacon
Hard Truths
Marianne Jean-Baptiste delivers a compelling performance as Pansy Deacon, a middle-aged woman grappling with deep-seated anger and depression that strain her relationships with family and friends. Her portrayal captures Pansy's internal struggles and the complexities of her interactions, particularly with her sister Chantelle, highlighting the emotional depth and realism characteristic of Mike Leigh's films. This is Jean-Baptiste's first Bolt nomination, underscoring her impactful and nuanced performance in Hard Truths.
Regina King as Shirley Chisholm
Shirley
Regina King embodies Shirley Chisholm, the groundbreaking politician and activist who made history as the first Black woman to run for President of the United States. King’s portrayal brings strength, charisma, and gravitas to the role. This is King’s seventh Bolt nomination and first in this category. She has previously won three Black Reel Awards, including Outstanding Director for One Night in Miami….
John David Washington as Boy Willie
The Piano Lesson
John David Washington shines as Boy Willie, a passionate and ambitious man determined to sell his family’s treasured piano to secure his future. Washington’s performance captures the fiery determination and emotional depth of his character. This is Washington’s third Bolt nomination and first in this category.
Kerry Washington as Major Charity Adams
The Six Triple Eight
Kerry Washington delivers a stirring performance as Major Charity Adams, the trailblazing leader of the first all-Black female battalion deployed in World War II. Washington brings strength, poise, and humanity to this historical role. This is her eighth Bolt nomination and first in this category. She previously won Outstanding Actress in 2011 for Night Catches Us.
Zendaya as Tashi Duncan
Challengers
Zendaya dazzles as Tashi Duncan, a former tennis prodigy turned coach navigating love, rivalry, and ambition in the high-stakes world of professional sports. Her performance captures Tashi’s complexity and drive. In addition to her nomination as a producer for Outstanding Film for Challengers, this is Zendaya’s fourth Bolt nomination and first in this category. She makes history as the youngest person to be nominated as an actor and producer for the same film at the Black Reel Awards.