Beyoncé Movies That Showcase Her Iconic Screen Presence and Talent

Beyoncé (Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter) is a musical force of nature. She has won more Grammy Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and Soul Train Awards than any other musical act, male or female. The fact that she has sold over 200 million records has caused people to overlook just how good an actor she is as well. Don’t forget she has been nominated for Golden Globe, BET, and Screen Actors Guild Awards, too. Here is a look at some of her most memorable movie roles.

1) Dreamgirls (2006)

No list of Beyoncé movies would be complete without starting with the 2006 smash “Dreamgirls.” The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including three for Best Original Song. The musical drama tells a fictional tale loosely based on the legendary Motown act the Supremes. Beyoncé’s Deena Jones character was based on Diana Ross, starring alongside Jennifer Hudson and Anika Noni Rose. Jamie Foxx, Danny Glover, and Eddie Murphy rounded out the top-tier ensemble cast.

2) Cadillac Records (2008)

The 2008 biographical drama “Cadillac Records” tells the story of Leonard Chess (Adrien Brody), founder of Chess Records in Chicago. The bar owner turned record company executive attracts stars like Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, Howlin’ Wolf, and Etta James (Beyoncé) to his fledgling label. Chess becomes attracted to more than James’ talent, but struggles to keep the young songstress’s personal demons from destroying her. Beyoncé won a Grammy for her rendition of James’ “At Last,” and was nominated for another Grammy, as well as a Golden Globe, for her performance of “Once in a Lifetime.” She was also nominated for an NAACP Image Award and a Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actress.

3) Obsessed (2009)

“Obsessed” is a psychological thriller starring Idris Elba and Beyoncé as Derek and Sharon Charles, and Ali Larter as Derek’s crazed stalker, Lisa Sheridan. Beyoncé was nominated for two Teen Choice Awards and an MTV Movie Award in this one. Two of those nominations were for the fight scene between Sharon and Lisa, an aspect of Queen B’s skill set you don’t see in many of her other roles.

4) Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002)

Beyoncé made her comedy debut in the Mike Myers-led spy movie “Austin Powers in Goldmember.” Playing Foxy Cleopatra, the singer was two parts Foxy Brown and one part Cleopatra as the infamous British spy’s partner/sidekick and love interest. In only her second film, she showed off her comedic chops and stole a few scenes.

5) The Fighting Temptations (2003)

“The Fighting Temptations” is a musical comedy that pairs Beyoncé with Cuba Gooding Jr. She once again gets to sing, but her acting definitely took center stage. Her role as a nightclub singer, single mom, and Gooding’s love interest earned her Outstanding Actress nominations at the NAACP Image Awards, Black Reel Awards, and BET Comedy Awards.

6) Carmen: A Hip Hopera (2001)

MTV’s modern-day hip-hop adaptation of the 1875 Georges Bizet opera Carmen was Beyoncé’s acting debut. While this one did not garner any award nominations, the film did attempt something that had not really been done before, so it earns points for creativity.

7) The Lion King (2019)

Beyoncé made her first appearance as a voice actor in the 2019 live-action remake of “The Lion King.” She played Nala, Simba’s best friend, and later his mate and Queen of the Pride Lands. She won a People’s Choice Award and a Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Award for her voice portrayal and received eight nominations and two wins for the song “Spirit.” She would reprise the role in the 2024 prequel/sequel, along with her daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, who played Simba’s and Nala’s daughter Kiara.

8) The Pink Panther (2006)

When her boyfriend is murdered for the priceless Pink Panther diamond ring, pop star Xania (Beyoncé) is a major person of interest, if not the prime suspect, in his death. Never fear, though, as Inspector Jacques Clouseau (Steve Martin) is on the case. “The Pink Panther” follows the bumbling inspector as he tries to cozy up to the singer to find out what she knows about the killing and the missing diamond.

Whether Beyoncé is playing a singer, a mother, a spy, or the voice of a lion, her presence is undeniable. Sure, she is often typecast, but when you have the vocal talent that she has, who wouldn’t want her to play a singer? In the end, it is not the role that she plays, but the warmth and vitality she brings to the role that matters. With all the award nominations that she has garnered for her roles, it is clear that she is more than just a talented singer.