11 Trans Actors Who Will Probably Win Oscars

With the tide turning in our favor, television and cinema are heating up with roles for trans actors. It looks like the days of being typecast and locked out of opportunities are diminishing rapidly. In celebration of this major change in the state of the media, here are 11 thespians that we can wait to see The Academy honor as much as we do.

1. Alexandra Billings

pic.twitter.com/DCB1J42CZP

— Alexandra Billings (@AlexSBillings)

Though often overlooked, Billings is the first transgender person to play ... well, a transgender person on television. With a phenomenal voice and a Grammy nominated CD under her belt, she is definitely a super talent.

2. Candis Cayne

 

Thanks Jeffery Mustache xo

A photo posted by @candiscayne on

Jan 28, 2015 at 9:12am PST

Cayne is fantastic actress. Her recurring role as Carmelita Rainer in “Dirty Sexy Money’ set the standard for trans actors on network television.

3 & 4. Mya Taylor & Kitana Kiki Rodriguez

These two leading ladies received rave reviews for their roles in Sean Baker’s independent film, “Tangerine.” Though we may not see them playing opposites in the future, there's no doubt they can handle whatever scripts come their way independently.

5. Scott Turner Schofield

In May 2015, Scott became the first openly trans actor to gain a role in daytime television on long-running soap opera, The Bold & The Beautiful. No doubt his dashing looks and well-rounded talent are made for the big screen.

6. Laverne Cox

 

Photo shoot today hair @bradleyirion @theladydeja. So excited.

A photo posted by laverne cox (@lavernecox) on

May 11, 2015 at 2:21pm PDT

The queen of trans TV is already highly decorated for both her talent and beauty. Though she’s now an integral component of the Orange is the New Black cast and slated for another role in CBS’s legal drama Doubt this fall — the sky isn’t even a limit for this superstar.

7. Jamie Clayton

 

Setting the red carpet on fire at the @netflix @sense8 premiere in San Francisco wearing @muglerofficial XO #YouDontEvenNomi #Sense8

A photo posted by Jamie Clayton (@msjamieclayton) on

May 30, 2015 at 12:39pm PDT

This doe-eyed actress is currently making her major debut as Nomi Mark in the Netflix original series Sense8. This science-fiction drama is boldly expanding the trans narrative into a new genre and Clayton is doing a stellar job.

8. Harmony Santana

This emotive and powerful Latina left a major impression on us in Gun Hill Road, and has been mostly laying low ever since. She'll most definitely make a comeback. 

9. Kingston Farady

Serving up some major heat, Farady is known for public speaking, writing, as well as starring in award-winning film director Cheryl Dunye’s major project, Black is Blue.

10.

This promising young actress is known for her lead role in the Tribeca Film Fest winning Boy Meets Girl. She’s been known to take risks on the screen, so hopefully this daring beauty will continue to stand in the sun.

11. Ian Harvie

Though Harvie considers himself a comedian, he made a splash in the acting world through an ensemble role in Amazon’s Transparent and roles in several independent films. We’d love to see his humor shine on the big screen!