Naomi Ackie: The Rise of a Versatile British Actress in Film and Television

Naomi Ackie has become one of the most compelling British actresses of her generation, building a career that moves comfortably between independent cinema, major Hollywood productions, television, and character-driven drama. From appearing in The End of the F***ing World and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker to taking on the demanding role of Whitney Houston, Ackie has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to disappear into very different characters.

What makes Naomi Ackie particularly interesting is the range of her performances. She has worked across science fiction, historical drama, biographical cinema, comedy, and emotionally complex contemporary stories. Her career also illustrates how British acting talent can move from smaller productions to globally recognized franchises while maintaining a distinctive identity.

Who Is Naomi Ackie?

Naomi Ackie is a British actress known for her work in film and television. Born and raised in London, she developed an interest in performance before establishing herself professionally as an actor.

Her early career included appearances in projects such as Lady Macbeth, The End of the F***ing World, and Small Axe. These roles helped establish her as a performer capable of bringing emotional depth to characters who are often complicated, vulnerable, or difficult to categorize.

Her international breakthrough came with Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, where she played Jannah. Lucasfilm describes the 2019 film as the concluding chapter of the Skywalker saga and the ninth installment of the central Star Wars series.

That opportunity introduced Ackie to a worldwide audience and helped position her for increasingly ambitious projects.

Naomi Ackie’s Journey to Becoming a British Actress

The careers of successful actors rarely happen overnight retinitis pigmentosa, and Ackie’s development reflects the importance of varied early experiences.

Rather than becoming associated with only one type of role, she gradually accumulated projects that demonstrated different aspects of her ability. Her work included television, independent films, period drama, and ensemble productions.

This variety matters because acting careers are often built through versatility. An actor who can move from intimate drama to large-scale entertainment has more opportunities to explore different characters and storytelling styles.

Early Roles and Recognition

One of Ackie’s early notable appearances came in Lady Macbeth, a period drama that gave her the opportunity to work within a very different cinematic environment from later blockbuster productions.

She also appeared in The End of the F***ing World, a dark comedy-drama that developed a strong international following.

Her work in Steve McQueen’s Small Axe further demonstrated her ability to participate in socially and historically significant storytelling.

These projects helped create a foundation for the larger opportunities that followed.

Naomi Ackie in Star Wars

For many international viewers, Naomi Ackie became widely recognizable through Star Wars.

She played Jannah in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, appearing alongside major franchise characters and becoming part of one of cinema’s most recognizable fictional universes.

The significance of the role went beyond simply appearing in a blockbuster. Working within a franchise of this scale requires performers to balance character development with an established visual language, mythology, and enormous audience expectations.

For Ackie, the film helped expand her visibility outside the United Kingdom. It also showed that she could hold her own in a production built around spectacle, action, established characters, and a massive global fan base.

Lucasfilm officially identifies The Rise of Skywalker as the final installment of the Skywalker saga.

Naomi Ackie as Whitney Houston

One of the defining performances of Naomi Ackie’s career came when she portrayed legendary singer Whitney Houston in I Wanna Dance with Somebody.

Taking on the role of a real-life cultural icon is considerably different from creating a fictional character. The performer must consider not only the screenplay but also the expectations of audiences who already know the person being portrayed.

Ackie faced the challenge of portraying Houston across different stages of her life and career. The performance required emotional preparation as well as an understanding of Houston’s public persona and private struggles.

Her work in the film earned her a nomination for the BAFTA EE Rising Star Award in 2023. BAFTA’s official records list Ackie among that year’s nominees.

Why the Whitney Houston Role Was Important

The role represented a major step forward because it placed Ackie at the center of a high-profile biographical film.

It also revealed an important characteristic of her acting style: she is willing to take creative risks.

Playing a famous person comes with enormous pressure because audiences naturally compare the performance with their memories of the original figure. Ackie’s willingness to accept that challenge helped demonstrate the scale of her ambitions as an actress.

What Makes Naomi Ackie Stand Out?

There are several reasons Naomi Ackie continues to attract attention.

1. Versatility

Ackie has avoided being confined to one type of role. Her filmography includes:

• Science fiction
• Historical drama
• Biography
• Comedy
• Psychological drama
• Television drama
• Major franchise cinema

That variety gives her career a distinctive quality.

2. Emotional Range

Many of Ackie’s performances rely on subtle emotional shifts rather than exaggerated acting. She can portray characters experiencing uncertainty, grief, ambition, fear, confidence, or determination.

This makes her particularly effective in character-focused stories.

3. Willingness to Take Risks

From playing a character in the Star Wars universe to portraying Whitney Houston, Ackie has repeatedly accepted roles that carry significant expectations.

Her later work has continued this pattern, suggesting that she is interested in challenging material rather than simply repeating the same successful formula.

Naomi Ackie’s Recent Career

Ackie’s career has continued to expand through a mixture of ambitious films and mainstream productions.

One notable project is Sorry, Baby, written and directed by Eva Victor. The film explores trauma, friendship, and the process of rebuilding a life after a difficult experience. Critics have highlighted the film’s emotionally nuanced approach rather than treating trauma as a simple dramatic device.

Ackie has also appeared in Netflix’s The Thursday Murder Club, an adaptation of Richard Osman’s bestselling novel.

Netflix’s official listing confirms Ackie as part of the ensemble cast alongside Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, Celia Imrie, and others.

The film was released by Netflix in 2025 and was directed by Chris Columbus. Netflix describes the story as a mystery involving four retirees who investigate cold cases before becoming involved in a real murder investigation.

This project is another example of Ackie’s ability to move between serious dramatic performances and lighter, ensemble-driven entertainment.

Naomi Ackie and the Importance of Choosing Different Roles

A strong acting career is not necessarily defined by the number of projects an actor completes. The quality and diversity of those projects can be just as important.

Ackie’s career choices suggest an interest in exploring different forms of storytelling.

Her filmography allows audiences to see her in radically different contexts:

• Jannah in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker — a large-scale science-fiction adventure.
• Whitney Houston in I Wanna Dance with Somebody — a demanding biographical performance.
• Sorry, Baby — intimate, emotionally complex independent cinema.
• The Thursday Murder Club — a mainstream mystery-comedy ensemble.

This range is valuable because it prevents an actor from becoming predictable.

Awards and Critical Recognition

Although awards are only one way to measure an actor’s career, nominations can indicate growing recognition from the industry.

Ackie’s 2023 BAFTA EE Rising Star nomination was an important milestone. The award is publicly voted and recognizes performers who have demonstrated notable talent and ambition early in their film careers.

While Ackie did not win that year’s award, the nomination placed her alongside a group of emerging British and international performers who were attracting significant attention.

Her continued appearance in high-profile productions suggests that her reputation has developed beyond a single breakout performance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Naomi Ackie

Who is Naomi Ackie?

Naomi Ackie is a British actress known for roles in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, I Wanna Dance with Somebody, Sorry, Baby, and The Thursday Murder Club, among other film and television projects.

What is Naomi Ackie famous for?

Naomi Ackie is particularly recognized for playing Jannah in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and Whitney Houston in I Wanna Dance with Somebody. Her performance as Houston earned her a 2023 BAFTA EE Rising Star nomination.

Did Naomi Ackie play Whitney Houston?

Yes. Naomi Ackie portrayed Whitney Houston in the 2022 biographical musical film I Wanna Dance with Somebody.

What character did Naomi Ackie play in Star Wars?

Ackie played Jannah in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, the ninth and concluding film of the Skywalker saga.

Is Naomi Ackie in The Thursday Murder Club?

Yes. Naomi Ackie is part of the cast of Netflix’s The Thursday Murder Club, alongside Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, and Celia Imrie.

What makes Naomi Ackie a notable British actress?

Her versatility is one of her biggest strengths. She has successfully worked across blockbuster franchises, biographical films, independent dramas, television, and comedy.

Internal Linking Ideas

If this guest post is being published on an entertainment, celebrity, or film website, consider linking to:

1. British actresses to watch — Link to a broader article about emerging British female acting talent.
2. Best British actresses in modern cinema — Connect Ackie’s career with other contemporary performers.
3. Best Star Wars characters and actors — Link from the section discussing Jannah.
4. Whitney Houston movies and documentaries — Provide additional context around I Wanna Dance with Somebody.
5. Best Netflix mystery movies — Connect the discussion of The Thursday Murder Club with related streaming content.

Recommended External Authority Sources

For factual verification and additional reading, useful authoritative sources include:

• BAFTA — EE Rising Star Award
• Lucasfilm — Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
• Netflix — The Thursday Murder Club

Conclusion: Why Naomi Ackie’s Career Is Worth Watching

Naomi Ackie represents a particularly exciting strand of modern British acting talent. Her career has developed from early television and independent-film work into major international productions without sacrificing the variety that made her interesting in the first place.

Her performances in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and I Wanna Dance with Somebody introduced her to enormous audiences, while projects such as Sorry, Baby and The Thursday Murder Club demonstrate her willingness to explore very different styles of filmmaking. Her BAFTA Rising Star nomination further confirmed that the industry was taking notice of her growing body of work.

Perhaps the most compelling thing about Naomi Ackie is that her career does not appear to fit into a single box. She can move from franchise filmmaking to intimate drama, from portraying a global music icon to participating in an ensemble mystery.

That flexibility could become one of her greatest professional strengths.

If you’re interested in discovering more talented British actresses, exploring modern cinema, or following the careers of emerging Hollywood stars, keep an eye on Naomi Ackie’s next projects and share this guide with fellow film fans.

Marisa Abela