Actors, writers and directors included in BAFTA's Breakthrough list
BAFTA has named 21 up-and-coming film, TV and games creatives in its 2026 Breakthrough UK cohort.
BAFTA has named 21 up-and-coming talents working across film, games and television who have made it onto their Breakthrough list of 2026.
The list, supported by Netflix, includes performers, writers, directors, producers and casting directors, all of whom have worked on some of the most talked about projects of the year.
BAFTA describes the group as "must-watch" creatives who are on the cusp of, or in the midst of, a breakthrough moment.
This year's cohort covers casting, production, directing, performing and writing.
What is BAFTA Breakthrough?
BAFTA Breakthrough is the arts charity's flagship new talent programme and is now in its 13th year.
BAFTA said it offers a springboard into the next phase of people's careers.
That includes year-round support, one-to-one meetings, career guidance, access to industry networking events and full BAFTA membership.
Globally, more than 330 people have been through the programme.
BAFTA said they range from screenwriters and actors to game designers, art directors, editors and costume designers.
It said many go on to develop their own features, games or TV shows, and that alumni have received more than 200 BAFTA nominations and over 80 wins.
Past alumni include Florence Pugh, Tom Holland, Josh O'Connor, Jessie Buckley, Bella Ramsey, Rose Ayling-Ellis, Mawaan Rizwan, Jennifer English, Paapa Essiedu and Letitia Wright.
The 2026 BAFTA Breakthrough UK cohort
Here is the full list of talented people identified on the 2026 BAFTA Breakthrough 2026 list:
Film
- Hollie Bryan, producer - The Ceremony
- Louis Paxton, writer/director - The Incomer
- Lucy Allen, casting director - Sunny Dancer
- Imran Perretta, co-writer/director - Ish
- Regina Meessen, hair and make-up designer - Dreamers
- Ted Evans, writer/director - Retreat
- Tom Payne, casting director - Sunny Dancer
Documentary and unscripted
- Chris Lynch, presenter and producer - In the Driving Seat
- Myrid Carten, writer/director - A Want in Her
- Runako Celina, producer and reporter - Death in Dubai
TV
- Ella Bruccoleri, performer - The Other Bennet Sister
- Izuka Hoyle, performer - Prisoner
- Philippa Mumford, production designer - Juice (Series 2)
- Sophie Stone, performer - Falling
- Tom Cousins, creator and executive producer - Rafi the Wishing Wizard
- Yassmin Abdel-Magied, writer - Emmerdale
Games
- Eloise Singer, writer/director - The Pirate Queen: No Safe Waters
- Husban Siddiqi, game director and developer - Rogue Eclipse
- Kate Killick, creative director - Pieced Together
- Niru Fekri-Arnold, creator/designer - Cursed Words
- Tom McKay, performer - Mysteria Ecclesiae: Kingdom Come Deliverance DLC
Supporting new talent
Jane Millichip, CEO of BAFTA, said: "BAFTA Breakthrough is a hugely impactful programme. It champions talented creatives and practitioners from all three screen sectors, and it is designed to give them the support and connections to build lasting careers.
"This year's cohort comes from fantastically diverse backgrounds and skillsets which really enrich the stories they bring to our screens.
"Congratulations to our 'BAFTA Breakthroughs'. We can't wait to see where they go from here."
Anne Mensah, Vice President, UK Content at Netflix, said: "We are so proud to back BAFTA Breakthrough for a seventh year.
"It forms an important part of Generation N, our commitment to supporting new, emerging and mid-career talent in the UK.
"The group announced today is an incredibly exciting range of names, and it is an honour to help them flourish with the guidance and support this programme provides."