The emerging talents on Variety’s Power of Young Hollywood Impact Report represent not just the present, but the future of entertainment. These actors, musicians, athletes and content creators are all between the ages of 18-28 and have had breakout years thanks to a special mixture of skill and luck. “I truly believe in the power of timing,” Inde Navarrette, star of the smash indie horror hit “Obsession,” tells Variety. “‘Obsession’ came out at a time when people were starting to believe my generation had lost its love for cinema. Now there’s undeniable proof that younger generations will, in fact, go to the movies.”
Grammy-nominated musician Gracie Abrams, meanwhile, is looking forward to making her screen acting debut in the A24 film “Please,” from “Babygirl” director Halina Reijn. “My next project scares the f out of me and that makes me know I’m in the right place,” Abrams shares. “It’s incredibly humbling and it’s feeding my curiosity.”
Connor Storrie and his co-star Hudson Williams may have been denied Emmy nominations for their sexy smash series “Heated Rivalry,” since it’s a Canadian production, but Storrie still managed to earn an Emmy nod for hosting “Saturday Night Live,” proving that dreams can come true. “I have loved ‘SNL’ since I was little — the lore, the cast, the cult characters,” he says. “It has been very formative for me, so to get to be a part of that felt like such a blessing.”
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Avantika
Image Credit: Getty Avantika has quickly become one of Hollywood’s brightest rising stars. After breaking out in the musical adaptation of “Mean Girls” and landing a leading role in “Pretty Lethal,” she’s now taking on her biggest projects yet, starring in Mindy Kaling’s series “Not Suitable for Work” and alongside Sarah Paulson in Ryan Murphy’s 13th season of “American Horror Story.” But acting is only the beginning. Avantika is also writing her first feature film, a ’90s-inspired romantic drama, and hopes to help shape the stories being told in Hollywood, saying, “I want to do my part in creating projects that platform young brown voices.”
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Stephen Kalyn and Mika Abdalla
Image Credit: Getty Kalyn and Abdalla may not have been the lead couple in Prime Video’s “Off Campus,” but they turned every single head. Abdalla made her debut at age 8 on “Barney,” but broke out seven years later in Netflix’s “Project MC ².” After a few guest parts, Kalyn’s first recurring role was in “Gen V” in 2024. Now, he can’t wait for “Off Campus” Season 2: “The story delves into profoundly transformative moments and deeply human experiences, asking its characters to navigate change, vulnerability and growth. I’m excited by the opportunity to explore that emotional complexity and continue developing work that is both authentic and resonant.”
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Gracie Abrams
Image Credit: Getty Abrams, the daughter of director J.J. Abrams, has become a star in her own right. Abrams opened for Taylor Swift on Swift’s blockbuster “Eras Tour” and was nominated for best new artist at the 2024 Grammys. Her third studio album in three years debuted on July 17, and she’s not slowing down anytime soon. “My next project scares the f out of me and that makes me know I’m in the right place,” she says of her upcoming film debut in A24’s “Please,” from “Babygirl” director Halina Reijn. “It’s incredibly humbling and it’s feeding my curiosity and I get the opportunity to learn from truly brilliant artists. I will be a sponge.”
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Iris Apatow
Image Credit: FilmMagic Apatow began the year as the newest cast member of the buzzy Hulu drama series “Tell Me Lies,” before toplining the ballerina action movie “Pretty Lethal.” But her biggest project yet is set to arrive in November, as she has a key part in “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.” While she first got a taste of showbiz from acting in her father Judd Apatow’s movies as a child, she says her “Hunger Games” role “challenged me artistically in the best way possible. I can’t wait for people to see all the hard work that went into making that movie.”
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Ella Bright and Belmont Cameli
Image Credit: Getty Best known as Wellsy and Garrett in “Off Campus,” Bright and Cameli have been in the business for years. At 11, she made her West End debut in “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” while Cameli kicked off his acting career at 20 in “Empire.” “My goal is to play in multiple arenas and genres and continue to diversify my body of work,” he says. Bright, who just became the first celebrity ambassador of Rare Beauty, is looking for something new: “I’d love for the next project to feel like a natural progression of who I am as an actor, while exploring a side of myself creatively that people haven’t seen.”
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Adéla
Image Credit: Variety via Getty Images Few emerging pop stars have had a more impressive rise than Adéla. After first gaining attention as a contestant on “The Debut: Dream Academy,” the Slovak singer forged her own path with a string of provocative, high-concept singles before releasing her debut EP, “The Provocateur.” She has since signed with Capitol and Polydor Records, enlisted collaborators like Grimes and Dylan Brady, and landed Christina Aguilera for a cameo in her “SexOnTheBeat” video. This year, she graduated to arena stages as the opening act on Demi Lovato’s tour while launching her next era with the singles “KGB” and “Red Bottoms.”
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Curry Barker
Image Credit: Sela Shiloni “Obsession” — a biting commentary on the social anxieties of the time — has become a seminal film for Gen Z. And Barker, the filmmaker behind the indie horror hit, is one of Hollywood’s most sought-after new voices, earning praise from Christopher Nolan and Steven Spielberg, who recently singled out Barker’s directing. “I’ve spent a lot of years learning from his work,” Barker says, “so to hear him acknowledge mine still doesn’t feel real.” With his newfound industry cred, Barker says he’s “grateful to be in a place where I can keep creating as a director, actor and producer — and continue to sharpen my voice without sacrificing quality.”
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Ariana Biermann
Image Credit: Getty Biermann is reality TV royalty, as the daughter of notorious “Real Housewives of Atlanta” alum Kim Zolciak. But she’s found fame on her own terms on Bravo’s fresh new series “Next Gen NYC,” where she’s become the breakout star thanks to her relatability, fashion sense, real talk in testimonials and sage advice to her friends. Up next? She’s hoping to further her career through “content creation, meaningful brand partnerships and future business ventures. Every new opportunity allows me to show different sides of who I am and continue building a career that’s authentic and rooted in connecting with people.”
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Matthew Broome and Asha Banks
Image Credit: Variety via Getty The British actors brought the heat as the leads of the street racing romance movies “My Fault: London” and “Your Fault: London.” The third and final chapter — “Our Fault: London” — has already been filmed. While it’s been a whirlwind ride in the public eye, the two stars have each other to depend on. When reminiscing about the “My Fault: London” premiere in 2025, Banks recalls, “After the chaos and excitement of the day, it all sank in when the lights went down in the cinema and I was sat with Matt and the film began. I’ll never forget that moment.”
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Miles Caton
Image Credit: Jason Chandler Few actors have delivered as strong a breakout performance as Caton did in Ryan Coogler’s vampire saga “Sinners.” Not only did he deliver a jaw-dropping musical performance during the iconic juke joint sequence, but Caton’s sorrowful turn as Sammie — a pastor’s son who desperately wants to break free and pursue the blues — is the heart of the film. Next up, Caton is looking to deliver his first EP, which he says will “give my growing supporters a look into who I am on a different level and in a way I haven’t been able to showcase yet.”
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Paige Bueckers
Image Credit: Variety via Getty For WNBA superstar Bueckers, winning the 2025 NCAA women’s basketball national championship with UConn was not only the “pinch me” moment she’d imagined since stepping on campus, but also marked the beginning of an even bigger journey. Now, as the Dallas Wings’ leader continues to evolve on and off the court, Bueckers is focused on something simple: “To get better every day and grow to be the best teammate and leader that I can be.” Whether she’s designing Nike sneakers or building a business rooted in creativity and authenticity, she’s creating a legacy that extends far beyond basketball.
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Matt Cornett
Image Credit: Henry Wu Starring in Disney+’s “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” was just the beginning for Cornett. These days, he’s center stage in Prime Video’s dreamy summer romance series “Every Year After.” Based on the bestselling novel, Cornett stars as Sam Florek, a young doctor trying to navigate the sudden return of his first love, Persephone “Percy” Fraser (Sadie Soverall). And Cornett is just getting started. “Right now, outside of prepping for Season 2 of ‘Every Year After,’ I’m developing a film with my friend and producing partner, which is allowing me to explore a new side of myself both in front of and behind the camera,” he says.
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Up Next: Mitchell Robertson and Stuart Campbell
Image Credit: Variety via Getty In HBO’s “Half Man,” Richard Gadd’s follow-up to “Baby Reindeer,” Robertson and Campbell shine as young boys who became brothers — toxicity and all — when their mothers began dating in the ’80s. “I want to keep changing and shape-shifting but continue to stay curious, specific and grateful for all opportunities and experiences that come,” says Campbell, who portrayed the younger version of Gadd’s angry and confused Ruben. As for Robertson’s next chapter, he shares, “I hope it involves me having a lightsaber in my hand at some point.”
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CORTIS
Image Credit: Variety via Getty The latest K-pop sensation from BigHit Music, the label behind BTS, is this talented quintet comprised of five members — Juhoon, James, Martin, Seonghyeon and Keonho. Standing for “Color Outside the Lines,” CORTIS is a hip hop-influenced group with a pop-punk aesthetic whose first EP, “Color Outside the Lines,” dropped in September 2025. Bolstered by the singles “What You Want” and “Fashion,” it debuted at No. 15 on the Billboard 200, the second-highest charting position ever for a K-pop act’s first album. “We want the next chapter to be about growing while staying true to who we are,” CORTIS says. “Even as our sound and style evolve, we hope people can still instantly recognize us as CORTIS.”
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Jaxson Dart
Image Credit: Variety via Getty Images Dart started his rookie campaign with the New York Giants as a backup quarterback to former Super Bowl champ Russell Wilson in 2025. After a 0-3 start, Wilson was benched and Dart became QB1. Dart’s playing style has been described as high-contact, and the athlete from Utah is such a huge “Star Wars” fan that he’s made it part of his pregame routine. He places eye black only under his right eye to look like Anakin Skywalker. May the Force be with Dart and the Giants in the fall.
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Costa D’Angelo
Image Credit: Variety via Gina Hoffman The Australian actor rose to fame this year in the final season of “Tell Me Lies,” which he filmed after completing an upcoming “East of Eden” adaptation. “It’s just so insane to be a part of one of the most important pieces of literature in American history,” he says of the John Steinbeck classic. “I spent weeks training on horseback through the mountains … Even with its large scale, it somehow felt so personal.” He’s currently filming Season 2 of “We Were Liars,” and eventually hopes to get back to his theater roots: “It was always the scariest, most exciting time for me — that moment before you go on.”
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Olivia Dean
Image Credit: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images Winning best new artist at this year’s Grammy Awards wasn’t much of a shock for an artist like Dean, the singer-songwriter who had been pushing toward that milestone since the release of her sophomore album, “The Art of Loving,” in September 2025. Her singles — “Man I Need” and “So Easy (To Fall in Love)” — became international hits, cracking the top five on the Billboard Hot 100. In April, she embarked on “The Art of Loving Live” tour that yielded sold-out crowds at London’s O2 Arena and Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena, taking her from Europe and the U.S. to Australia and New Zealand, where she’ll wrap the trek in October.
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Yerin Ha
Image Credit: Variety via MK Crooke Ha dazzled “Bridgerton” fans in the fourth season of the popular Netflix series as Sophie Baek, the whip-smart maid who won Benedict Bridgerton’s (Luke Thompson) heart. Through Ha, audiences embraced Sophie, a determined young woman intent on achieving some semblance of happiness despite her status. Stepping into Sophie’s petticoats is only the beginning for the Australia-born actress. “We’re currently filming Season 5 of ‘Bridgerton,’” says Ha. “I want the next chapter of my career to be doing more work that sparks dialogue and isn’t afraid to look into the darker sides of the human experience.”
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Nicholas Duvernay
Image Credit: Variety via Getty Images Duvernay first gained attention as Armando in the hit Netflix romance “Purple Hearts.” But a phone call from “The White Lotus” creator Mike White offering him the role of Zion in Season 3 of the hit HBO anthology series changed everything. “It’s the kind of moment every actor dreams of,” Duvernay says. In September, he’ll be seen in the Prime Video rom-com “The Love Hypothesis” before leaping into action in the Keanu Reeves-led “Shiver.” “A lot of the characters I play, I sometimes feel like I’m just watching Nicholas,” Duvernay says. “But after seeing an assembly cut of ‘Shiver,’ I feel like it was the first time I really got to transform into someone else.”
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Audrey Hobert
Image Credit: Variety via Grace Dubay Few artists are building momentum quite like Hobert, whose songs keep going viral. After years of collaborating with longtime pal Gracie Abrams, Hobert has stepped into the spotlight with the breakout single “Sue Me” and fan-favorite tracks like “Silver Jubilee,” gaining a devoted audience with her sharp songwriting, infectious hooks and wry sense of humor. As she wraps up her tour, she’s already looking ahead to what’s next. “I’m hoping to have a lot of fun and to work hard. ’Tis all one can do,” she offers.
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Cooper Hoffman
Image Credit: Variety via SXSW Following in the footsteps of his late father, Philip Seymour Hoffman, was never going to be easy. But his charming acting debut in “Licorice Pizza,” directed by his father’s longtime collaborator Paul Thomas Anderson, proved that Hoffman could hold his own on screen. And Hoffman’s recent leading roles in the Stephen King adaptation “The Long Walk” and the erotic comedy “I Want Your Sex,” opposite Olivia Wilde, made it clear that Hoffman is a force to be reckoned with who we’ll be watching for years to come.
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IShowSpeed
Image Credit: Variety via IShowSpeed Darren Watkins Jr. — better known to his 165 million followers across Instagram, TikTok and YouTube as IShowSpeed — has become one of the biggest streamers on the planet. After winning Streamer of the Year two years in a row, the creator plans to level up, on and off stream. “I think livestreaming is the next frontier of entertainment all over the world,” he says. Next comes an anime series from “One Piece” showrunner Matt Owens, followed by two international tours. “They’re unlike anything I’ve ever done,” he says.
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Chase Infiniti
Image Credit: Variety via Dan Doperalski After her breakthrough role as the female lead of Paul Thomas Anderson’s Oscar-winning “One Battle After Another,” it didn’t take long for Infiniti to establish herself in the TV world, nabbing an Emmy nod for her work in “The Testaments.” Next up, Infiniti will star alongside Gillian Anderson in the coming-of-age drama “The Julia Set,” and is carefully eyeing her next move. “I feel lucky to explore stories that showcase the beautiful and the terrifying parts about life and being human,” the actress says, adding, “I can’t believe this is my career thus far.”
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Anthony Ippolito
Image Credit: Variety via Getty Images Ippolito got his start as the son of Adam Sandler’s character in “Pixels” all the way back in 2015, before appearing in the Netflix series “Grand Army” and the streamer’s romance film “Purple Hearts.” He also portrayed two of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces: Al Pacino in the Paramount+ series “The Offer” and now Sylvester Stallone in “I Play Rocky,” the upcoming behind-the-scenes story of how the Oscar-winning film “Rocky” came to be. The awards-courting film will debut at the Toronto Intl. Film Festival before playing in theaters nationwide later this fall.
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Katseye
Image Credit: Variety via Getty Despite the departure of member Manon Bannerman in February, Katseye has soldiered on as one of the premier girl groups in contemporary pop music. The quintet celebrated a pair of Grammy nominations with a performance during the ceremony, leading into a standout slot at Coachella in April. “Growing up, we watched so many iconic festival and award show performances that inspired us artistically, so the fact that we got to perform at those venues ourselves was such a pinch-me moment,” says the group, whose doc “Katseye: Wild Hearts” is hitting theaters Aug. 12. The group’s “Wild” EP will be released ahead of a global tour this fall.
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Zara Larsson
Image Credit: Variety via Charlotte Rutherford After grinding for nearly two decades, Larsson’s life got lusher when her dance-pop single “Midnight Sun” netted her first Grammy nod. The Swedish superstar learned the news during her “Midnight Sun” arena tour. “It’s nice to be recognized by my peers, and I was living my dream performing every night on a sold-out tour. Double yay!” Larsson recently released the remix album “Girls Trip,” with a lineup including PinkPantheress, Shakira and fellow Swede Robyn, and is excited for the future: “I’ll go deeper into my philosophy of fun, the joy of living and everything that comes with that. I want to stay in a world that is colorful and uplifting in its core.”
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Alysa Liu
Image Credit: Variety via Gabriela Pelletier Liu, with her bleach-striped hair and pierced tooth, charmed the world with her gold medal performance to PinkPantheress at the 2026 Winter Olympics. But the Team USA figure skater calls Nationals 2025, where she performed to Laufey’s “Promise,” the biggest “pinch me” moment of her career. “The energy I felt in the arena was so strong, and I was brought to tears throughout the entire event,” she says. Her unbridled joy at the Olympics felt like an act of defiance amid the high-pressure competition — and proof that you can win two gold medals while still having fun. What’s next? “Staying healthy and enjoying my life.”
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Up Next: Stella Lefty
Image Credit: Variety via Getty If you’ve been scrolling TikTok lately, chances are you’ve already come across Lefty’s “Boston.” The singer-songwriter turned a viral snippet into one of the year’s breakout hits, winning over millions with her catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics. But “Boston” was only the beginning. From fan-favorite tracks like “Thinking ’Bout You” to her latest viral release “I Know I Know,” Lefty has built a loyal online following that can’t get enough of her blend of country, indie-folk and pop. Between sold-out shows, festival appearances and a debut album in the works, Lefty has fast become one of music’s most exciting new voices.
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Up Next: Catherine Laga’aia
Image Credit: Variety via Ramona Rosales Landing the role of Disney’s live-action Moana was surreal, but Laga’aia says the biggest “pinch me” moments came when meeting people who have been inspired by the Polynesian wayfinder, just like she’d been as a kid. “That’s when it feels like it’s not just my experience anymore — it’s something that belongs to so many people, and that’s really special,” Laga’aia says. “Moana” is the Australian’s first major movie role — one that she beat out 30,000 people for, including two of her sisters — and Laga’aia’s “excited to keep challenging myself, trying new things and taking on roles that teach me something along the way.”
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Up Next: Angelina LookingGlass
Image Credit: Variety via Arielle Lewis When “The Rivals of Amziah King” hits theaters Aug. 14, audiences will be introduced to LookingGlass, who makes her memorable film debut as Kateri, the estranged foster daughter to Amziah King (Matthew McConaughey). “I’d love to dive into more stories that leave me feeling fulfilled — like how I felt on that project,” she says, noting that her dream directors include Robert Eggers and Guillermo del Toro. As she reflects on filming the ambitious crime thriller, LookingGlass says her most unforgettable moment was “getting to work with real bees and co-leading a movie with [McConaughey].”
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Up Next: Lexi Minetree
Image Credit: Variety via Getty Images What did Minetree do to stand out from the 3,000 other young women who auditioned to play Elle Woods in the “Legally Blonde” prequel series “Elle?” Deliver a pitch-perfect re-creation of the plucky coed’s iconic Harvard admissions video. That was all Reese Witherspoon needed to see to know they’d found their girl. And audiences agreed: Amazon reports that “Elle” — which follows Woods in high school as she goes from L.A. It Girl to Seattle outcast — was the most-viewed show on Prime Video in its first week of release. Stay tuned for more as filming on Season 2 is already complete.
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Inde Navarrette
Image Credit: Variety via Emily Sandifer Navarrette isn’t exactly new to Hollywood, but her breakout turn as Nikki in “Obsession” proved that landing the right role at the right moment is all it takes to launch an actor into stardom. “I truly believe in the power of timing,” she says. “‘Obsession’ came out at a time when people were starting to believe my generation had lost its love for cinema. Now there’s undeniable proof that younger generations will, in fact, go to the movies.” Navarrette is circling several leading roles in franchises, and whatever comes next, she’s “excited for the challenge of trying my hand at becoming a chameleon.”
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Kane Parsons
Image Credit: Variety via Sela Shiloni/Courtesy of A24 These days, film directors can be the primary drivers of getting butts in seats. There’s Christopher Nolan, Denis Villeneuve — and now, making the leap from YouTube, Parsons. With horror hit “Backrooms,” Parsons is A24’s highest-grossing director of all time. Exuding a calm confidence well beyond his 21 years, Parsons has captured the attention of every major studio, where execs see him as a filmmaker uniquely positioned to connect with Gen Z audiences. Hinting at his future, Parsons teases, “My intention is to continuously focus on delivering original projects which tap into regions of the modern (and ancient) psyche that I feel are underexplored.”
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Michols Peña
Image Credit: Variety via Daniella Datnow After starring in the GLAAD Award-winning Bravo series “Southern Hospitality,” Peña is ready to continue telling his story and being out and proud. “Sharing my story on reality TV wasn’t easy, and there were definitely moments of uncertainty, but seeing how it resonated with so many people made it all worthwhile,” he says. “That [GLAAD] recognition meant so much because it represented something bigger than me and it showed the impact that authentic representation can have.” Outside of reality TV, Peña is a successful model, describing it as a “creative outlet to continue” expressing and challenging himself.
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Louis Partridge
Image Credit: Variety via Getty When rumors swirled earlier this year that Partridge was auditioning to play James Bond, the main objection was that he was simply too young. But it’s hard to question the 23-year-old’s other credentials since breaking out as Millie Bobby Brown’s aristocratic love interest in “Enola Holmes,” or the Brit’s dashing looks (he’s now an ambassador for Prada), or his celebrity (a relationship with Olivia Rodrigo will see to that). After roles in Noah Baumbach’s “Jay Kelly” and Steven Knight’s miniseries “House of Guinness,” Partridge’s profile will be bolstered by Netflix’s all-star “Pride and Prejudice,” playing notorious knave George Wickham. “After that I’m hoping to explore some new, interesting parts,” he says. “I also want to surprise myself.”
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Rob Rausch
Image Credit: Variety via Euan Cherry/Peacock Snake wrangler Rausch made his TV debut in Season 6 of “Love Island USA.” Although his character divided viewers, he certainly made for great television. A year later, he joined Peacock’s “The Traitors” alongside fellow villa alum Maura Higgins and hoodwinked his way to victory. As for what comes next, Rausch is branching out from reality TV. “I’m excited to start creating more of my own content and show people more of my actual life from my point of view,” he says. “It’s something different for me, but I’m excited to try it.”
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Angel Reese
Image Credit: Variety via Getty WNBA All-Star Reese first made national headlines at LSU, leading a squad that went on to win the 2023 NCAA women’s basketball national championship (a first for the school). Since then, she’s made headlines off the court, attending the Met Gala and walking in the Victoria’s Secret fashion show. She’s even got her own Barbie. Reese, who’s currently playing on the Atlanta Dream, is set to appear in the second season of “The Hunting Wives,” and says, “I’m excited to continue acting — being part of the next season of ‘Hunting Wives’ has been such a fun challenge for me, stepping into a completely different lane and showing people there’s more to me than basketball.”
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Michelle Randolph
Image Credit: Variety via AFP Randolph had her “pinch me” moment while playing Elizabeth Strafford on Taylor Sheridan’s Paramount+ series “1923”: “A day on set when the three chairs in cast holding were labeled ‘Harrison Ford,’ ‘Helen Mirren’ and ‘Michelle Randolph.’ Yes, I have a framed photograph of that.” The star of “Scream 7” and “Landman” has a lot on her plate. She just began filming the sci-fi movie “Homewrecker” opposite Allison Williams and will soon start on Season 3 of “Landman,” as Ainsley Norris. “Ainsley has become a little piece of my heart, and it’s genuinely the most fun I’ve ever had at work,” she says. “I almost hesitate to call it work.”
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Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams
Image Credit: Variety via Getty Williams and Storrie’s rapid rise to superstardom has been one of Hollywood’s most enthralling success stories in years. Since their breakout roles as Shane and Ilya in “Heated Rivalry,” the duo has become two of the industry’s most sought-after names. Together, they presented at the Golden Globes, attended the Met Gala and carried the Olympic torch in Italy. They’ve also become fashion darlings: Storrie is a Saint Laurent brand ambassador, while Williams is one of the faces of Balenciaga. Most recently, Storrie earned an Emmy nod for hosting “SNL.” “I have loved ‘SNL’ since I was little — the lore, the cast, the cult characters,” he says. “It has been very formative for me, so to get to be a part of that felt like such a blessing.”
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Jake Shane
Image Credit: Variety via Carly Sharp Few have had more of a whirlwind year than the “internet’s best friend” Shane. Since blowing up on TikTok during the pandemic, the comedian has carved out a path in Hollywood, with a guest role on “Hacks,” a Broadway stint and a Hulu pilot order for a show inspired by his life — all while continuing to host his hit Netflix podcast “Therapuss.” He’s made so many A-list friends that his Oscars after-party hosting gig became a star-studded hangout. For him, it’s all about “learning from the incredibly talented people around me” and, of course, “making my friends laugh along the way.”
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Malcolm Todd
Image Credit: Variety via Getty Todd has emerged as one of indie pop’s fastest-rising stars, turning viral hits into a loyal fan base. The Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter first gained attention by sharing music online, where his unique blend of indie-pop and R&B resonated with listeners. Following the release of his sophomore album, “Do That Again,” Todd has continued his rise with multiple songs that have exploded online and a sold-out fall tour. “Whatever comes after that, I’ll give it everything I have,” Todd says.
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Sienna Spiro
Image Credit: Variety via Capitol Records British singer-songwriter Spiro has spent the last year charting a path to becoming pop music’s most promising balladeer. Following the release of her breakthrough hit “Die on This Hill,” Spiro began her year with a career-launching performance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” ahead of a sold-out U.S. tour. All of this was pointing toward her debut album, “Visitor,” and global “My House” world tour, which sold out almost instantly. “I can’t wait to tour and share the music live,” she says, “as that’s how I intended for it to be heard.”
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Trinity Tatum
Image Credit: Variety via Ben Symons/Peacock Just two months ago, Tatum was living a normal life in Virginia. Then, not only did she make her “Love Island USA” debut (immediately becoming a fan favorite), but also, alongside Bryce Alakai, won the season. Tatum coupled up with Bryce on day one, and the pair remained loyal to each other while amassing a devoted fan base back home. As she looks ahead, two words come to mind: philanthropy and fashion. “I’m excited to build a career that extends beyond entertainment,” says Tatum. “Ultimately, I want my career to have lasting impact, both creatively and through the lives I’m able to touch.”
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Garrett Wareing
Image Credit: Variety via Getty After being in the business for more than a decade — he made his feature film debut at age 13 opposite Dustin Hoffman in the 2014 indie “Boychoir” — Wareing’s big breaks came last year. He was among the ensemble cast in the Stephen King adaptation “The Long Walk,” and plays dreamy cowboy Lucas Russell in Netflix’s soapy Western “Ransom Canyon.” Wareing’s splashiest role to date was announced in July, playing a young Ed Warren in the horror prequel “The Conjuring: First Communion.” “It’s a blessing to get to chase this dream,” the Texas native says. “I hope the next chapter looks like those that have come before it: A little elbow grease, a little luck and a whole lot of crafty.”
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Victor Wembanyama
Image Credit: Variety via WireImage Wembanyama, also known as “Wemby” or “The Alien,” stands a whopping 7-foot-4, towering over opponents and blocking every basketball in his path. The French phenom was named the NBA’s Rookie of the Year in 2024 and last year became the first unanimous choice for Defensive Player of the Year. But there was one thing that remained out of reach: His San Antonio Spurs lost the NBA Finals to the New York Knicks in five games. With Wemby’s freakish talent, it surely won’t be his first rodeo.
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Up Next: Malina Weissman, Jordan Leftwich and Ora Duplass
Image Credit: Variety via Getty Soon to be known as Briar, Sasha and Ollie, Weissman, Leftwich and Duplass are set to lead Disney+’s upcoming series “Coven Academy,” playing three witches in training. “I think Briar really reflects the kinds of characters I’m drawn to. She’s a little messy, a little unpredictable and still figuring herself out,” says Weissman, who has been acting since the age of 8. Best known as a model, Leftwich is excited to segue into acting. “Going into acting as a model is hard because not many people believe that it’s possible to do both,” she says. And Duplass, who made her feature debut in “Their Town” this year, is excited to say “yes” to more: “I really want to dip my toes into everything.”
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Huh Yunjin
Image Credit: Variety via Yunjin Yunjin’s journey to becoming a K-pop idol dates back to when she was just 16 — and today, she’s not only one-fifth of the South Korean girl group LE SSERAFIM, but a songwriter and creative force shaping its direction. She points to performing at the 2024 MTV VMAs pre-show as a career highlight and full-circle moment, since she’d watched the telecast growing up — even before she could speak English. With a world tour ahead and new music under wraps, Yunjin reveals the group has been having internal conversations about identity and growth. As for what’s next, she says one thing is certain: “It will stay true to who LE SSERAFIM is.”
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True Whitaker
Image Credit: Variety via Getty When Whitaker got the call that she’d landed the role of Alani in Rachel Sennott’s “I Love LA,” she knew everything was about to change. After an intense audition process, Whitaker felt an unusually deep connection to the character. “I felt a closeness to Alani that I’ve never felt before,” she says. Now, the rising actor is eager to show off her range and bring new perspectives to the screen. Up next, she’ll star in a sequel to “Spring Breakers,” hoping to inspire a new generation just as the original film inspired her.
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Lamine Yamal
Image Credit: Variety via Getty Images At just 19, Yamal has already achieved what most soccer players spend entire careers chasing. The Barcelona winger became the youngest player to appear and score for Spain before helping his country win the 2024 European Championship at 17. He’s since emerged as one of his club’s most prolific stars, finishing the 2025-26 La Liga season with 15 goals and 11 assists and helping lead Spain to a 2026 World Cup victory over defending champions Argentina. Major deals with Adidas, Beats by Dre, Visa, Konami and American Eagle have cemented his status as one of the world’s most marketable young athletes.
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Joseph Zada
Image Credit: Variety via Getty With “East of Eden,” Season 2 of “We Were Liars” and the highly anticipated next “Hunger Games” film coming out in the next 12 months, Zada has been busy. Acting since age 14, Zada’s first main roles came with Australian drama “Invisible Boys” and Prime Video’s “We Were Liars,” both in 2025. “I just want to work hard and do good work that people will appreciate and connect with,” he says. “I’m trying to curate an identity as much as I’m simply just trying to create. I want to challenge myself as an actor and explore myself through my art.”
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