Jill Scott’s first screen appearance came in the TV educational series ‘Sesame Street’ (2002). She featured in a recurring role as ‘Donna’ in the TV sitcom ‘Girlfriends’ (2004). That same year, she also starred in the TV drama film ‘Cavedweller’ (2004). She made her feature film debut in 2007 as singer-songwriter ‘Big Mama Thornton’ in the drama film ‘Hounddog,’ and as ‘Sheila’ in the comedy drama film ‘Why Did I Get Married?’ Later, she reprised role of ‘Sheila’ in the sequel, ‘Why Did I Get Married Too?’ (2010).
Jill Scott later portrayed detective ‘Precious Ramotswe’ in the miniseries ‘The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency’ (2008-2009), based on Alexander McCall Smith’s novels of the same name. The series, which was filmed in Botswana, dealt with various social issues and was later aired on BBC & HBO. On the motion comic animated series ‘Black Panther,’ she voiced the role of ‘Storm’ (2010).
Scott’s role as the alcoholic mother in the TV-film ‘Sins of the Mother’ (2010) fetched her ‘NAACP Image Award.’ In the remake of ‘Steel Magnolias’ (2012) she played ‘Truvy Jones.’
She featured in several TV series, including ‘Law & Order: ‘Special Victims Unit’ (2010), the TV-music series ‘VH1 Storyteller’ (2012), the sci-fi series ‘Fringe’ (2012) and the drama series ‘Being Mary Jane’ (2016).
Scott starred as ‘Gail Best’ in the romantic comedy film ‘Baggage Claim’ (2013). She played ‘Dee Dee Brown,’ the second wife of singer James Brown, in the biographical musical drama film ‘Get On Up’ (2014), followed by appearance in the romantic comedy drama TV-film ‘With This Ring’ (2015). In 2017, she starred in the TV drama film ‘Flint’ and the musical drama film ‘Love Beats Rhymes.’
In the (DC Comics) superhero series ‘Black Lightning’ (2018-2020), Scott played ‘Lady Eve’ and then appeared in a starring role in the comedy series ‘First Wives Club’ (2019), based on the film of the same name.
This biographical drama film chronicles the life of American singer and musician James Brown’s rise from poverty to one of the most recognized musicians in history.
Hounddog is a musical drama film which tells the story of a young girl named Lewellen, who lives with her stern and religious grandmother, as her parents are unable to take care of her. Although her father cares for her, he is unable to provide her a stable home, but he gives her gifts occasionally such as Elvis Presley's recordings. She begins listening to Presley’s music and eventually begins to find comfort in it from her troubled life.
Fading Gigolo is a comedy film which tells the story of an elderly man Murray, who teams up with his friend Fioravante to open a gigolo business in order to make some money. However, things get complicated when Fioravante finds himself falling for a woman.
Why Did I Get Married? is a comedy drama film which tells the story of four married couples, who take a vacation where they need to ask themselves the reason behind the marriage. Things get complicated when a gorgeous woman enters the scene.
In order to avoid herself from becoming the oldest as well as the only unwed woman in her family, Montana travels 30,000 miles in 30 days, hoping that she can convince a potential suitor to become her fiance.
A comedy-drama film about four couples who get together in the Bahamas for a vacation to reflect on their married lives.
Jill Scott Awards
| Winner | Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance | 2007 |
| Winner | Best Urban/Alternative Performance | 2005 |
| Winner | Best Urban/Alternative Performance | 2008 |
