Ones to Watch: Stars On the Rise

We're betting these talented folks are the next big thing.

On the Come Up - The Oscar nominations put a glaring spotlight on the lack of diversity in Hollywood, but in honor Black History Month we'd rather focus on all the talented Black actors and filmmakers ready to make their mark. Here's our roundup of who's on the verge of making a breakthrough. (Photos from Left: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images, Michael Tullberg/Getty Images)
Jussie Smollett - Like his younger sister Jurnee Smollett, Jussie began acting at a young age in films like The Mighty Ducks and North. The actor got his big break last year when he was tapped to play the openly gay R&B musician Jamal Lyon in Empire. Jussie's character is among the most talked-about on the hit series, and we expect some major moments from him this season. (Photo by Valerie Macon/Getty Images)
Leslie Jones - When Leslie Jones won a "Funniest Person on Campus" competition during college, she vowed to "become the next Eddie Murphy." A couple of decades and a few false starts later, Jones now works on the same stage that catapulted Murphy to fame — as a cast member on Saturday Night Live. The statuesque comedian will soon do a little catapulting herself as part of the ensemble for the Paul Feig-directed Ghostbusters reboot. Jones is closer than ever to achieving her goal. (Photo: Lloyd Bishop/NBC)Justin Simien - Before he turned 30 years old, Justin Simien directed the most talked-about film of the year, the Sundance winner Dear White People. The racial satire is a bold statement from a first-time director, with many calling the young filmmaker his generation's Spike Lee.  (Photo: Mark Davis/Getty Images)

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On the Come Up - The Oscar nominations put a glaring spotlight on the lack of diversity in Hollywood, but in honor Black History Month we'd rather focus on all the talented Black actors and filmmakers ready to make their mark. Here's our roundup of who's on the verge of making a breakthrough. (Photos from Left: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images, Michael Tullberg/Getty Images)

Photo By Photos from Left: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

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