Jayme Lawson is an American actress who has quickly become recognized for her performances in major films and television projects. She gained wider attention after playing Bella Reál in The Batman and later appeared in films such as Till, The Woman King, How to Blow Up a Pipeline, Sinners, and The Running Man.
Born on September 19, 1997, Lawson studied acting at the Juilliard School and began building her professional career after graduating in 2019. Her film career started with Farewell Amor in 2020, followed by several major projects in 2022.
Jayme Lawson Movies
Jayme Lawson’s movie career includes both independent films and major Hollywood productions. Her filmography has expanded significantly since her debut.
Here are some of her notable movies:
- Farewell Amor (2020)
- The Batman (2022)
- Till (2022)
- The Woman King (2022)
- How to Blow Up a Pipeline (2022/2023)
- Sinners (2025)
- The Running Man (2025)
- The Batman: Part II (upcoming)
Farewell Amor
Farewell Amor was Jayme Lawson’s feature-film debut. She played Sylvia, appearing alongside actors including Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine and Zainab Jah.
The 2020 drama was directed by Ekwa Msangi and follows an Angolan immigrant family as they reunite in New York after years apart.
Lawson’s performance in the film helped introduce her to a wider film audience.
The Batman
One of Jayme Lawson’s most recognizable movie roles came in The Batman, released in 2022.
She played Bella Reál, a mayoral candidate in Gotham City. The film was directed by Matt Reeves and starred Robert Pattinson as Batman.
Lawson’s role was important because Bella Reál represented a political figure attempting to bring change to Gotham while the city faced serious problems.
She later returned to the character in the HBO series The Penguin.
Till
In Till (2022), Jayme Lawson played Myrlie Evers, an important figure in the American civil-rights movement.
The film focuses on Mamie Till-Mobley’s fight for justice following the death of her son Emmett Till. Lawson’s role was part of a historical drama featuring Danielle Deadwyler, Jalyn Hall and other actors.
Till became another important project in Lawson’s early acting career.
The Woman King
Jayme Lawson also appeared in The Woman King, the 2022 historical action drama directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood.
She played Shante in the movie, which stars Viola Davis as General Nanisca. The story is inspired by the historical Agojie, the all-female warrior unit of the Kingdom of Dahomey.
The film gave Lawson an opportunity to work in a large-scale production with an ensemble cast.
How to Blow Up a Pipeline
Another Jayme Lawson movie is How to Blow Up a Pipeline.
Released in 2022 and widely distributed in 2023, the film was directed by Daniel Goldhaber. Lawson played Alisha, one of the characters involved in the film’s story about climate activism.
The movie received attention for its contemporary subject matter and ensemble cast. Lawson’s performance added another independent-film credit to her growing career.
Sinners
One of Jayme Lawson’s most notable recent movies is Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler.
Released in 2025, the supernatural period film stars Michael B. Jordan alongside Lawson and a large ensemble cast. Lawson plays Pearline.
Sinners became a major part of Lawson’s career and earned recognition for its ensemble cast. IMDb lists the film among her best-known credits, while Lawson also received several awards-related honors connected with the movie’s ensemble.
The Running Man
In 2025, Jayme Lawson appeared in The Running Man, directed by Edgar Wright.
She plays Sheila Richards in the film, which is based on Stephen King’s novel. The movie stars Glen Powell in the lead role alongside Lawson and other cast members.
This project added another major studio production to Lawson’s filmography.
The Batman: Part II
Jayme Lawson is also attached to The Batman: Part II, where she is expected to return as Bella Reál.
The movie is listed as an upcoming project in current filmography sources, with a planned 2028 release listing. Because it has not yet been released, details about the finished movie and Lawson’s role should be treated as subject to change.
Jayme Lawson TV Shows
Although the focus is often on Jayme Lawson movies, she has also appeared in several television productions.
Her television credits include:
- The First Lady (2022) — Young Michelle Obama
- Genius: MLK/X (2024) — Betty Shabazz
- The Penguin (2024) — Bella Reál
These projects have allowed Lawson to portray both fictional and historical characters.
Jayme Lawson as Bella Reál
Bella Reál remains one of Lawson’s best-known characters. She first played the character in The Batman and later reprised the role in The Penguin.
The role helped establish Lawson as part of a major superhero-film franchise and introduced her performance to a much larger international audience.
Her return as Bella Reál also connected her movie work with television.
Jayme Lawson’s Acting Education
Before becoming a well-known screen actress, Lawson trained at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C., and later attended the Juilliard School in New York.
She graduated from Juilliard in 2019. Her theatrical training helped prepare her for both stage and screen performances.
Jayme Lawson Awards and Recognition
Lawson’s work in Sinners brought significant awards attention. IMDb’s current awards record lists several wins and nominations connected to the film, including ensemble awards in 2025 and 2026.
Her recognition reflects how quickly her career has developed since her feature-film debut.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Jayme Lawson’s first movie?
Jayme Lawson’s feature-film debut was Farewell Amor, released in 2020, in which she played Sylvia.
What is Jayme Lawson famous for?
She is particularly known for playing Bella Reál in The Batman and Pearline in Sinners.
What movies has Jayme Lawson been in?
Her movies include Farewell Amor, The Batman, Till, The Woman King, How to Blow Up a Pipeline, Sinners, and The Running Man.
Who does Jayme Lawson play in The Batman?
Jayme Lawson plays Bella Reál, a mayoral candidate in Gotham City.
Who does Jayme Lawson play in Sinners?
She plays Pearline in Sinners.
Is Jayme Lawson returning in The Batman: Part II?
Current filmography sources list Lawson as returning as Bella Reál in The Batman: Part II, which is currently an upcoming project.
Conclusion
Jayme Lawson has built an impressive filmography in a relatively short period. Starting with Farewell Amor in 2020, she went on to appear in major productions including The Batman, Till, The Woman King, How to Blow Up a Pipeline, Sinners, and The Running Man.
Her combination of theatrical training and screen experience has helped her take on different types of roles. With her continued work in film and television, Jayme Lawson remains an actress to watch in upcoming projects.
