Breakout Stars of 2012
These celebs were the ones to watch in 2012.
1 / 10
Kevin Hart - The year 2012 won't just be remembered for its best films and TV shows, but also for the actors and actress who made them memorable. Here are BET.com's picks for the year's breakout stars. A starring role in the box office hit film Think Like a Man, which grossed over $90 million, helped comedian Kevin Hart have his best year ever. The 32-year old now recurs on the hit sitcom Modern Family, he has three films slated for release in 2013 and will star in the BET original comedy series The Real Husbands of Hollywood in 2013. (Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez /Getty Images For BET)
2 / 10
David Oyelowo - In 2012, David Oyelowo singlehandedly emerged as the hardest working actor in Hollywood. The 36-year old British Nigerian starred in five films this year: Red Tails, The Paperboy, Lincoln, Middle of Nowhere and the upcoming Jack Reacher with Tom Cruise. Oyelowo magically disappears into every role, but each of his performances are unforgettable. (Photo: Astrid Stawiarz / Getty Images)
3 / 10
Adepero Oduye - Adepero Oduye got her big break in last year's Pariah but it was Meryl Streep shouting her out at this year's Golden Globes that made audiences take notice. The Nigerian American was among the all-star ensemble cast of the African-American remake of Steel Magnolias. Oduye shined in her portrayal of Annelle, a role made famous by actress Daryl Hannah in the original. (Photo: Charles Norfleet / FilmMagic)
4 / 10
Emayatzy Corinealdi - As Ruby in Ava DuVernay’s Middle of Nowhere, Emayatzy Corinealdi embodied heartache and longing as a wife with an incarcerated husband on the verge of new life. In 2012, it was also announced that Corinealdi, along with Tyson Beckford, was added to the cast of the film adaptation Addicted, which is based on author Zane's novel. (Photo: Laura Cavanaugh / FilmMagic)
5 / 10
Norm Lewis - A Broadway mainstay, Norm Lewis previously appeared in Les Miserables, Chicago and Tommy. After his Tony award nominated performance as Porgy in Porgy and Bess, Lewis is officially ready for his primetime close up. The actor is now a recurring cast member on the political drama Scandal as Senator Edison Davis. (Photo: Mike Coppola / Getty Images)
ADVERTISEMENT
6 / 10
Ava DuVernay - Filmmaker Ava DuVernay made Sundance history by becoming the first Black female to win the Best Director prize for her sophomore feature film and feminist drama Middle of Nowhere. DuVernay is also founder of AAFRM (African American Film Festival Releasing Movement), which is dedicated to the distribution of Black independent film. (Photo: Robyn Beck / AFP/ Getty Images)
7 / 10
Omari Hardwick - Omari Hardwick has been acting for over a decade but his outstanding back to back performances in the reboot of this year's Sparkle and Middle of Nowhere made the world take notice. Hardwick will appear in BET’s original Being Mary Jane, starring Gabrielle Union, written by Mara Brock Akil and directed by Salim Akil. (Photo: Valerie Macon / Getty Images)
8 / 10
Issa Rae - Issa Rae’s breakout webseries Awkward Black Girl debuted in 2011, but its cult following thanks to social media, word of mouth and fans in high places (Pharrell Williams), helped the show become an online phenomenon. Now, the TV world has taken notice. Rae inked a deal with Shonda Rhimes and ABC to develop a new series, I Hate L.A. Dudes. (Photo: Isaac Matthew White)
9 / 10
Da'Vine Joy Randolph - In Broadway's Ghost the Musical, actress and star Da’Vine Joy Randolph had big shoes to fill. The Philadelphia native starred as Oda Mae Brown, the movie role originated by Whoopi Goldberg. Randolph did pretty well for herself; she earned a 2012 Tony Award Nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. (Photo: D Dipasupil / FilmMagic)
