The entertainment industry is buzzing with excitement as BAFTA North America unveils its 2025 Breakthrough US cohort, a group of rising stars poised to make waves across film, television, and gaming. But here's where it gets exciting: among this year's honorees are Frida Pérez, Miles Caton, and Karla Reyes, whose talents span from Emmy-winning series to blockbuster films and groundbreaking video games. This prestigious initiative, now in its 6th year, aims to propel these creatives into the spotlight with mentorship, networking, and unparalleled access to BAFTA events. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about recognition—it’s about fostering the next generation of storytellers who will shape culture for years to come.
BAFTA Breakthrough is more than an award; it’s a year-long journey designed to nurture talent at the cusp of greatness. Recipients gain one-on-one mentorship, career guidance, full voting membership, and access to exclusive screenings and networking events globally. But here’s where it gets controversial: with such a diverse cohort, from actors to game developers, the question arises—who will emerge as the most influential voice of their generation? Notable alumni like Stephanie Economou, HIKARI, and Sean Wang have already left their mark, setting a high bar for this year’s group.
Meet the 2025 Cohort:
- Brandon Wilson – Actor, Nickel Boys (Film): Wilson’s performance in the Oscar-nominated adaptation earned him the 2024 Gotham Award for Breakthrough Performer, solidifying his place as a rising star.
- Brittany Shyne – Director, Seeds (Documentary): Based in Dayton, Ohio, Shyne’s debut feature won the U.S. Documentary Grand Jury Award at Sundance, showcasing her ability to capture complex human stories.
- Chase Infiniti – Actor, Presumed Innocent (Television): Known for her roles in One Battle After Another and Apple TV+’s hit series, Infiniti is a talent to watch, especially after her recent lead in Hulu’s The Testaments.
- Erika Ishii – Voice Performer, Ghost of Yotei (Games): A queer, genderfluid performer with over 100 voiceover credits, Ishii is a force in pop culture and activism, raising over $100,000 for LGBTQ+ causes.
- Eva Victor – Writer/Director/Actor, Sorry, Baby (Film): Victor’s debut film won the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award at Sundance and closed the Director’s Fortnight at Cannes, marking her as a bold new voice in cinema.
- Frida Pérez – Writer/Producer, The Studio (Television): The Emmy-winning co-creator of this AppleTV+ series is a Sundance Ignite Fellow, blending humor and heart in her work.
- Karla Reyes – Creative Director, Take Us North (Games): Founder of Anima Interactive, Reyes uses games for social impact, collaborating with UN agencies and Trevor Noah’s Day Zero Productions.
- Mia Cioffi Henry – Cinematographer, Sorry, Baby (Film): With a background in dance and photography, Henry brings a unique visual style to projects like COVER-UP and serves as Head of Graduate Cinematography at NYU Tisch.
- Miles Caton – Actor, Sinners (Film): Caton’s breakout role in Ryan Coogler’s hit film, paired with his music career, makes him a multifaceted talent to watch.
- Min Ji (Maggie) Kang – Writer/Director, KPop Demon Hunters (Film): Her Netflix film became a global phenomenon, topping charts in over 30 countries and earning critical acclaim.
- Paige Bethmann – Director, Remaining Native (Documentary): A Haudenosaunee filmmaker, Bethmann’s work explores cultural identity, earning her a Special Jury Award at SXSW.
- Xalavier Nelson Jr. – Studio Head, I Am Your Beast (Games): A BAFTA-nominated creative with over 100 titles, Nelson is also a comic book writer and voice actor, pushing boundaries across mediums.
Sponsored by Apple TV, this year’s program underscores BAFTA’s commitment to diversity and innovation. From Pérez’s Dominican-American roots to Reyes’ socially conscious gaming, the cohort reflects a rich tapestry of experiences. But here’s the question: In an industry often criticized for its lack of representation, is BAFTA doing enough to amplify these voices? Or is there still work to be done?
As we celebrate these rising stars, let’s not forget the power of storytelling to challenge norms and inspire change. Who from this cohort will redefine their field? And what stories will they tell next? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on who’s set to make the biggest impact!
