Cynthia Erivo has captivated audiences with an impressive array of performances in both film and television, showcasing her remarkable talents as a singer and actress. With roots in theater, Erivo gained substantial recognition for her portrayal of Celie Harris in the 2015 revival of The Color Purple. This role not only marked her Broadway debut but also set the stage for her transition to on-screen performances.
Her cinematic journey began with a role in the 2016 neo-noir thriller, Bad Times at the El Royale, where she showcased her versatile talent among a star-studded ensemble. Following this, Erivo’s career soared with prominent roles in films like Widows directed by Steve McQueen and her powerful performance as abolitionist Harriet Tubman in the historical drama Harriet. The pinnacle of her career arrived when she was cast as Elphaba in the much-anticipated film adaptation of Wicked, a role that has garnered critical acclaim and numerous award nominations.
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Drift (2023)
Jacqueline Kamara
In 2023, Erivo starred in Drift, a film that also showcased her talent as a producer. The narrative centers on Jacqueline Kamara, a Liberian refugee seeking solace on a Greek island. There, she forms a poignant friendship with an American tour guide, portrayed by Alia Shawkat, as she confronts her troubled past. Adapted from Alexander Maksik’s novel, A Marker to Measure Drift, this film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, earning a commendable 75% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Renowned critic David Fear from Rolling Stone recommended it with high praise, stating, “Erivo is not the only reason to see Drift. But the actor most certainly is the reason to see it ASAP.” Fans of Erivo should definitely not miss this notable project.
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Genius (2021)
Aretha Franklin
In the 2021 anthology drama Genius, Erivo depicted the legendary Aretha Franklin. Each season of this series chronicles different historical figures, with the third installment focused on Franklin’s life. While the season received a mixed overall rating of 71% on Rotten Tomatoes, Erivo’s portrayal resonated with critics who lauded her ability to capture Franklin’s essence and artistry. Notably, Erivo’s impact led to nominations for prestigious awards, including a Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy, despite some controversy surrounding the production’s lack of consultation with Franklin’s family.
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Chaos Walking (2021)
Hildy
In 2021, Erivo joined the cast of the ambitious adaptation of Chaos Walking, based on the acclaimed book series by Patrick Ness. Despite featuring major stars like Tom Holland and Daisy Ridley, the film faced challenges at the box office. Set on a dystopian planet devoid of women, the story unfolds as Todd, played by Holland, strives to protect Viola from dangers lurking in their world. Erivo’s character, Hildy, plays a crucial role, portraying a local who is aware of the impending threats posed by the newcomers. Although critics were less favorable, the film earned a 71% positive rating from audiences.
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Pinocchio (2022)
The Blue Fairy
In 2022, Erivo lent her vocal talents to the live-action adaptation of Pinocchio, directed by Robert Zemeckis. While Guillermo del Toro’s version was critically acclaimed, Zemeckis’s film featured a star-studded cast including Tom Hanks as Geppetto and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Pinocchio. Erivo portrayed the enchanting Blue Fairy, capturing hearts with her rendition of “When You Wish Upon a Star.” Although the film was released as a Disney+ original and faced mixed reviews, Erivo’s performance was a highlight amidst the criticism.
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Luther: The Fallen Sun (2023)
Odette Raine
In 2023, Erivo joined the cast of Luther: The Fallen Sun, a continuation of the acclaimed television series Luther. This Netflix original film follows Idris Elba’s character, John Luther, as he attempts to thwart a wealthy serial killer played by Andy Serkis while facing the repercussions of his past. Erivo plays Odette Raine, a prominent detective leading the charge against the killer. Their collaboration becomes essential as they navigate the complex web of crime, with the film receiving favorable reviews as a strong extension of the series.
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Bad Times At The El Royale (2018)
Darlene Sweet
Directed by Drew Goddard, Bad Times at the El Royale is a neo-noir film that takes place in a dilapidated hotel with a group of mysterious strangers. Erivo shines as Darlene Sweet, a singer with secrets of her own, alongside an ensemble cast featuring Jeff Bridges and Jon Hamm. As the tension escalates, Erivo’s emotionally charged performance, particularly in her climactic musical sequence, earned her nominations for the Black Reel Award and further solidified her place as a rising star in Hollywood.
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The Outsider (2020)
Holly Gibney
Based on Stephen King’s novel, The Outsider is a gripping miniseries that incorporates supernatural elements into a murder mystery. Portraying Holly Gibney, a brilliant private detective with exceptional abilities, Erivo’s performance captivated audiences and critics alike. Her interpretation of this beloved character brought depth and nuance to the series, enhancing the overall tension and intrigue of the plot.
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Harriet (2019)
Harriet Tubman
In 2019, Cynthia Erivo achieved critical acclaim for her lead role in Harriet, where she portrayed the iconic Harriet Tubman. The film chronicles Tubman’s extraordinary journey leading enslaved individuals to freedom via the Underground Railroad. Despite being a modest box office success, Erivo’s compelling performance garnered her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, underscoring her status as a formidable talent in the industry. Additionally, she was nominated for a Grammy for her heartfelt song “Stand Up,”co-written with Joshuah Brian Campbell.
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Widows (2018)
Belle
In the neo-noir thriller Widows, directed by Steve McQueen, Erivo shared the screen with extraordinary talents like Viola Davis and Michelle Rodriguez. Tasked with repaying a mob boss for the money their late husbands stole, the dynamic ensemble delivered compelling performances. The film achieved a strong 91% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and was recognized on numerous critics’ year-end lists, showcasing Erivo’s growing stature in Hollywood and paving the way for her leading roles in future projects.
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Wicked (2024)
Elphaba Thropp
Cynthia Erivo reached new heights of fame in 2024, portraying Elphaba Thropp, famously known as the Wicked Witch of the West, in the film adaptation of Wicked. Based on the Broadway classic inspired by Gregory Maguire’s novel, the story explores Elphaba and Glinda’s journey from friendship to rivalry. This cinematic rendition became a massive success, earning critical praise, an impressive 88% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and four Golden Globe nominations. With Erivo’s performance at the forefront, she is anticipated to be a strong contender at the upcoming Academy Awards.
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