Naomi Ackie has built a distinctive career across British television, independent cinema, major Hollywood productions, and biographical drama. From her breakthrough in Lady Macbeth to appearances in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Blink Twice, and Mickey 17, she has repeatedly moved between very different kinds of roles. Her portrayal of Whitney Houston in I Wanna Dance with Somebody also placed her at the center of one of the most demanding performances of her career.
Naomi Ackie’s Early Career
Born in Walthamstow, London, Naomi Ackie trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. Her early screen work included an appearance in Doctor Who and roles in projects such as The Five before she attracted wider attention through British independent cinema.
Her breakthrough came with Lady Macbeth, William Oldroyd’s period drama. Ackie played Anna, a supporting character in the tense adaptation, and the performance earned her the Most Promising Newcomer award at the 2017 British Independent Film Awards.
That recognition helped establish her as an actor capable of making an impact even in ensemble productions. She subsequently appeared in Idris Elba’s Yardie and continued developing her television résumé with projects including The Bisexual.
Naomi Ackie’s Breakthrough on Television
One of the most significant early milestones in Naomi Ackie’s career came with The End of the F**ing World*. In the show’s second season, she played Bonnie, a troubled young woman whose storyline became central to the season.
Her performance received major industry recognition. BAFTA identifies Ackie as a winner for her role in the series, while its 2023 Rising Star announcement also highlighted the award as part of her growing body of work.
She later took another substantial television role in the third season of Master of None, playing Alicia. The season, titled Moments in Love, shifted its focus toward Alicia and Denise, played by Lena Waithe, and explored their relationship, fertility, and personal challenges.
These projects demonstrated the range that would become a defining feature of her career: she could work effectively in intimate dramas while also stepping into much larger productions.
From Star Wars to Whitney Houston
For many international viewers, Naomi Ackie became especially recognizable after joining the cast of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. She played Jannah in the 2019 film, placing her within one of cinema’s most established franchises. BAFTA later noted the role among the projects that raised her international profile.
Her next major transformation arrived with Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody. Ackie portrayed the legendary singer in the 2022 biographical musical drama directed by Kasi Lemmons.
The role demanded extensive preparation. Ackie discussed undergoing vocal, dialect, movement, and acting work to understand Houston’s mannerisms and presence. Although Houston’s singing voice remained central to the film through the use of recorded vocals, Ackie had to build the physical and emotional performance around them.
| Major project | Year | Role | Why it stands out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lady Macbeth | 2016 | Anna | Breakthrough film performance |
| The End of the F**ing World* | 2019 | Bonnie | BAFTA-winning TV role |
| Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker | 2019 | Jannah | Major franchise debut |
| Master of None | 2021 | Alicia | Central role in Season 3 |
| I Wanna Dance with Somebody | 2022 | Whitney Houston | First major biographical lead |
| Blink Twice | 2024 | Frida | Psychological thriller |
| Mickey 17 | 2025 | Nasha | Bong Joon Ho science-fiction film |
A Wider Range of Film Roles
After portraying Houston, Naomi Ackie continued choosing projects with very different tones. In Blink Twice, Zoë Kravitz’s directorial debut, she played Frida opposite Channing Tatum. The psychological thriller gave her another opportunity to anchor a story with darker and more unsettling themes.
She then appeared in Bong Joon Ho’s Mickey 17, starring alongside Robert Pattinson, Toni Collette, Mark Ruffalo, and Steven Yeun. Ackie played Nasha, adding a science-fiction production to an increasingly varied filmography.
Her 2025 credits also included Sorry, Baby, in which she played Lydie, and The Thursday Murder Club, where she portrayed Donna de Freitas. These roles continued her movement between independent films, literary adaptations, and larger productions.
💡 Pro Tip:
When exploring Naomi Ackie’s filmography, start with Lady Macbeth and The End of the F**ing World* before moving to Star Wars and I Wanna Dance with Somebody. The sequence makes it easier to see how her career developed from British independent work into international productions.
Awards and Recognition
Recognition has followed Ackie throughout her career. Her BIFA win for Lady Macbeth marked an early breakthrough, while her performance in The End of the F**ing World* brought BAFTA recognition.
In 2023, she was nominated for the EE Rising Star Award at the BAFTA Film Awards. The award was ultimately won by Emma Mackey, but Ackie’s nomination reflected the growing attention surrounding her film work.
Her career therefore combines awards recognition with increasingly prominent screen roles rather than following a single genre or franchise.
📌 Key Takeaway:
Naomi Ackie’s career stands out for its variety. She has moved from British independent dramas and television into Star Wars, biographical cinema, psychological thrillers, and science fiction without being tied to one type of character.
What Is Naomi Ackie Working On Now?
Ackie has continued building a substantial slate of projects. Her recent credits include Shelter and I Love Boosters, while she is also attached to the upcoming Clayface. Her management biography lists I Love Boosters as a forthcoming project and identifies her as part of the cast of Clayface.
Her recent work suggests that the next phase of her career will remain broad rather than concentrating exclusively on one genre. That variety has become one of the clearest characteristics of her filmography.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Naomi Ackie best known for?
Naomi Ackie is widely known for playing Jannah in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Whitney Houston in I Wanna Dance with Somebody, and Bonnie in The End of the F**ing World*.
Did Naomi Ackie play Whitney Houston?
Yes. She portrayed Whitney Houston in the 2022 biographical film I Wanna Dance with Somebody, directed by Kasi Lemmons.
What was Naomi Ackie’s breakthrough role?
Her performance as Anna in Lady Macbeth is generally regarded as an important breakthrough. She won the Most Promising Newcomer award at the 2017 British Independent Film Awards for the role.
Was Naomi Ackie in Star Wars?
Yes. She played Jannah in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, released in 2019.
What are some recent Naomi Ackie movies?
Recent credits include Blink Twice, Mickey 17, Sorry, Baby, The Thursday Murder Club, and Shelter. Her upcoming work includes I Love Boosters and Clayface.
Conclusion
Naomi Ackie has developed an unusually varied screen career, moving from acclaimed British productions to globally recognized franchises and demanding leading roles. Her work as Whitney Houston expanded her profile considerably, while films such as Blink Twice and Mickey 17 have continued to show her range. With further projects ahead, her filmography remains one to watch.
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