12) Zoe Saldana as Nina Simone (Nina, 2016)

Zoe Saldana’s role as Nina Simone sparked immediate controversy. Simone was known for her activism, which made her an important figure in the fight for representation, but Saldana’s use of skin-darkening makeup and prosthetics made many feel she didn’t reflect Simone’s image. Critics were particularly upset, calling it disrespectful and unnecessary. Activists and fans argued that casting an actress with features closer to Simone’s would have been more authentic. While Saldana put in a heartfelt performance, the controversy over the physical transformation overshadowed her efforts, and the film struggled to connect with audiences.
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