Amandla Stenberg’s journey in the spotlight began at just 13 years old, but their impact on film, culture, and activism already places them among a new generation of changemakers in Hollywood. Whether captivating audiences on screen or challenging systems off it, Stenberg has carved out a lane defined by artistry, authenticity, and advocacy.

Born on October 23, 1998, in Los Angeles, Amandla is the child of a Danish father and an African American mother, Karen Brailsford, a spiritual counselor and writer. They began modeling as a child and quickly transitioned into acting, appearing in commercials before landing a role that would introduce them to the world.

A Star Is Born in The Hunger Games

In 2012, Stenberg’s portrayal of Rue in The Hunger Games marked a breakout moment. Their nuanced performance as the brave young Tribute won critical praise and cemented them as a talent to watch. More importantly, their role sparked larger cultural conversations—Rue’s death was a moment of reckoning for many audiences who hadn’t seen a young Black girl portrayed with such tenderness and depth in a blockbuster film.

Acting Meets Activism

Stenberg’s ascent in Hollywood has always run parallel to their evolution as a public intellectual and activist. They became known for using social media not just for promotion, but for calling out injustice. Their 2015 video “Don’t Cash Crop My Cornrows” went viral for its critique of cultural appropriation, establishing them as a thoughtful and fearless voice in the Gen Z social justice landscape.

They’ve since used their platform to speak on issues of gender identity, race, sexuality, and mental health, all while navigating their own journey. Amandla came out as nonbinary and uses both they/them and she/her pronouns, adding to the visibility of queer, gender-expansive people in the industry.

Major Roles and Career Choices

Amandla’s filmography is diverse and intentional. They starred in the adaptation of Angie Thomas’ bestselling novel The Hate U Give (2018), playing Starr Carter, a teenager caught between her Black neighborhood and her mostly white prep school after witnessing police kill her childhood friend. The performance was lauded as raw, emotional, and necessary, with Stenberg anchoring the film’s political weight with heart.

Other notable projects include Everything, Everything (2017), Where Hands Touch (2018), and the Netflix series The Eddy (2020). Stenberg has shown an uncanny ability to balance art and message, choosing roles that challenge the status quo and expand conversations around identity.

A Vision for the Future

Amandla isn’t just performing—they’re shaping narratives. They’ve dabbled in music and writing, and they’ve spoken about directing one day. With intelligence and intention guiding their every move, it’s clear they’re not just here to entertain. They’re here to shift culture.