Essence entertainment director Cori Murray stopped by the HuffPostBlack Voices' biweekly talk show "BV Breakdown" ― a Facebook Live show that discusses hot topics, current events and self-care tips ― on Thursday to share her thoughts on who's on the up and up in Hollywood.
Black Voices' associate editor Taryn Finley and senior culture writer Zeba Blay sat down with Murray, who was also joined by Buzzfeed entertainment reporter Sylvia Obell, to share her perspective as an entertainment insider.
Here are five women Murray said should be on your list of Hollywood up-and-comers to watch in 2017:
1. Gina Prince-Bythewood
Best known for her 2000 romance film "Love and Basketball," starring Sanaa Lathan, Gina Prince-Bythewood is no Hollywood newbie. Prince-Bythewood will be directing the upcoming fictional Fox series "Shots Fired," which is centered on police brutality in South Carolina. Lathan will also star in the series.
2. Dee Rees
In a $12.5 million deal, Netflix recently bought director Dee Rees' critically acclaimed film "Mudbound." The film, which follows soldiers returning home from WWII, stars Carey Mulligan, Jason Mitchell and Mary J. Blige.
3. Stella Meghie
Stella Meghie's name may not ring a bell just yet, but the Toronto native may soon be at the center of Hollywood's attention when romance film "Everything, Everything," starring Amandla Stenberg, is released this May.
4. Jessica Williams
Former "Daily Show" correspondent Jessica Williams should have been on your radar yesterday. One half of the "2 Dope Queens" podcast, Williams will be starring in Netflix's "The Incredible Jessica James," about a young playwright living in New York City.
5. Yvonne Orji
Yvonne Orji is everybody's bestie as Molly in "Insecure." But Orji really won our hearts with her realness when she opened up to "The Breakfast Club" in November about being a virgin at 32 years old and having experienced bullying when she was younger.
Look out, Hollywood. All this black excellence ain't here to play.