Entertainment
Beyonce's Most Underrated Acting Performances
From forgotten cult classics to Oscar-winning films.
Beyoncé — an icon with a name so powerful, even she views it as a compliment. You know her, you love her, you probably have an unsolicited opinion about her marriage. But did you know the Grammy winner is a star on screen as well? Look no further for her most underrated acting performances.
Carmen: A Hip Hopera (2001)
Beyonce made her film debut as the star of Carmen: A Hip Hopera, playing an aspiring actress who falls in love with an engaged con artist (Mekhi Phifer). Together they embark on a toxic romance, but tragedy ensues when the pair flee to LA to start a new life.
Austin Powers In Goldmember (2002)
While the Austin Powers franchise may not have aged particularly well, Beyoncé’s performance as Foxxy Cleopatra earned her three awards nominations — and a place in the low rise jeans hall of fame.
The Fighting Temptations (2003)
Beyoncé’s next big role was Cuba Gooding Jr.’s love interest in The Fighting Temptations. The rom-com follows Darian Hill’s (Cuba) attempts to win a gospel competition with his hometown choir, while reconnecting with his childhood friend Lilly (Beyonce) along the way.
Dreamgirls (2006)
Dreamgirls — the musical about a Motown trio based on Diana Ross and The Supremes — is perhaps Beyoncé’s most well-known acting role. As the singers climbs towards fame, Beyoncé’s character pulls a Beyoncé and outshines the group, putting their friendships to the test.
Pink Panther (2006)
2006 blessed us with not one, but two Beyoncé–led movies. Pink Panther is technically Steve Martin’s film, but Bey’s performance as the enigmatic pop star Xania steals the show.
Cadillac Records (2008)
Cadillac Records is a loose retelling of Leonard Chess (Adrien Brody) and Etta James (Beyonce) wild romance. Their relationship's validity is debatable, but it is a classic nonetheless. Tune in for Beyonce’s teary rendition of “I’d Rather Go Blind” and stay for the epic 40’s fashion.
Obsessed (2009)
Obsessed proved that Beyoncé can both sing and kick ass in the name of love. In this psychological thriller, she plays a woman whose husband (Idris Elba — swoon) gets caught up with a “Becky.” When their family is put at risk, she’s forced to take matters into her own hands.
Lion King (2019)
Beyonce took on — and, frankly, nailed — the role of Nala in the 2019 remake of The Lion King. And since she is a gracious queen, both on and off screen, she provided a secondary soundtrack to the film as well.