Janelle Monáe

Acting

Born December 1, 1985 · Kansas City, Kansas, USA

Also known as Janelle Monáe Robinson

Biography

Janelle Monáe Robinson (born December 1, 1985) is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, record producer, actor, and model from Kansas City, Kansas. She began her musical career in 2003, and released her debut album 'The ArchAndroid' in 2010 which was met with critical acclaim and gained her international recognition. Monáe made her live action acting film debut in the Academy Award winning 2016 film 'Moonlight'. The same year she starred in the biographical drama film 'Hidden Figures' alongside Taraji P. Henson and Octavia Spencer. For her musical work, Monáe has earned eight Grammy Award nominations.

Awards & recognition

Kansas Music Hall of Fame · 2022
Black Reel Award — Outstanding Breakthrough Performance · 2017
Black Reel Award — Outstanding Ensemble · 2017
Independent Spirit Robert Altman Award · 2017
Satellite Award — Best Cast – Motion Picture · 2017

Show all 11 awards →

Screen Actors Guild Award — Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture · 2017
Broadcast Film Critics Association Award — Best Cast · 2016
MTV Video Music Award — Best Art Direction · 2013
Teen Choice Award — Choice Music – Single · 2012
Ignyte Award — Best Anthology/Collected Works · 2023 · nominated
Locus Award — Best Collection · 2023 · nominated