There’s no reason to spend December watching old holiday films with no people of color in sight. A number of holiday movies feature black actors and actresses. Start a new holiday film tradition in your home with this list of notable Christmas movies starring African Americans. Everything from Hollywood blockbusters to indie flicks made the cut.
“Bad Santa” – This raunchy 2003 holiday film stars Billy Bob Thornton, Bernie Mack and Tony Cox. Thornton and Cox devise a plan to play Santa and his little helper so they can rob department stores on Christmas Eve. Mack plays the detective who’s on their trail. Hilarity ensues when the men collide.
“The Preacher’s Wife” – The late Whitney Houston and Oscar winner Denzel Washington star in this 1996 movie about a woman (Houston) who feels neglected by her preacher husband (Courtney B. Vance). He’s too busy caring for others and trying to save his church from property developers to devote much time to his marriage. Enter angel Dudley (Washington), who saves the day.
“The Kid Who Loved Christmas” – Watch the legendary Sammy Davis Jr. in his last film role in this 1990 flick about a man and his adopted son who are in the process of learning how to be a family. Cicely Tyson and Michael Warren also star.
“Last Holiday” – Acclaimed director Wayne Wang helms this 2006 film starring Queen Latifah and LL Cool J about a dying woman who decides to take a trip to Europe.
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