It’s been ten years since Halle Berry graced the stage to accept her Academy Award as a lead actress in a film. Since then Jennifer Hudson (Dreamgirls) and Mo’Nique (Precious) are the only black women to win Oscars and both were in supporting roles. Hollywood has to face facts: there is still an obvious bias against African-American actresses that is only solidified by the lack of versatility in roles they’re offered. But we know potential when we see it. These ten women have what it takes to cross genres but don’t necessarily get the shine they deserve.

Just because a child’s cute enough to land a role in a film doesn’t mean he or she is exceptionally talented. But on the flip side a child actor’s performance can be so moving he or she can steal the show away from the adults. Check out the talented child actors who managed to do this and then some. See which ones are still acting and those who have gone on to pursue other things…

1-Jurnee Smollet

We’ve watched little Jurnee since her days on Full House. While she was a cute and spunky sidekick to the Olsen twins but she really debuted her talents in Eve’s Bayou as Eve Baptiste. It was refreshing to see that she hadn’t lost her skills when she played “Samantha Booke” in The Great Debaters.