BET Awards 2022: See Aunjanue Ellis’ Onscreen Journey to Her ‘Best Actress’ Nomination
With nearly a three-decade-long career, Academy Award-nominated actress Aunjanue Ellis deserves her flowers. The California native, currently up for “Best Actress” at the BET Awards 2022 for her role in King Richard, made her feature film debut following her performance in the 1996 coming of age story film, Girls Town. Since then, she has gone on to make over 50 movie and television appearances. Ahead of culture’s biggest night, hosted by actress Taraji P.Henson on Sunday, June 26 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, live at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, CA, check out five of Aunjanue Ellis’ best onscreen roles.
Oracene “Brandy” Price — King Richard
Aunjanue’s performance as Sharonne Salaam, mother of the exonerated 5’s Yusuf Salaam, Ava DuVernay’s emotional biopic When They See Us, earned the actress a several recognitions, including an Academy Award for “Best Supporting Actress” at the 94th annual event.
Hippolyta Freeman – Lovecraft Country
Aunjanue is the incredible Hippolyta Freeman in HBO’s critically acclaimed limited sci-fi drama series Lovecraft Country based on the novel of the same name by Matt Ruff. Following the unexpected death of her husband, George Freeman, played by actor Courtney B. Vance, Hippolyta goes on a magical journey to self-discovery.
Dr. Mattie Moss Clark – ‘The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel’
The California actress is the classically trained matriarch Dr. Mattie Moss Clark of the iconic The Clark Sisters in Lifetime’s viral biopic The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel. The star received immense praise for her performance.
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Ann Pettway — Abducted
In 2012, Aunjanue starred as the real-life baby-snatcher Annugetta Pettway in Abducted: The Carlina White Story, alongside actress Keke Palmer who took on the role of Carlina, an infant kidnapped by Ann from Harlem Hospital Center in New York City in the late 80s.
Jo Brashear – Men of Honor
Aunjanue made her film debut in the 1996 coming of age film Girls Town. However, her role as Jo, the wife of Carl Brashear, played by Cuba Gooding Jr. in the 2000 drama Men of Honor, is what many believe made her a household name.
Tune in to the BET Awards 2022 Sunday, June 26 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET.