BAFTA has unveiled its 2026 Breakthrough U.K. cohort, selecting 21 emerging creatives across film, television and games for its annual talent development program, supported by Netflix.
Now in its 13th year, the initiative recognizes rising talent across the screen industries, offering year-round career support, mentorship, networking opportunities and full BAFTA membership.
Among this year’s honorees are actors Ella Bruccoleri (“The Other Bennet Sister”), Izuka Hoyle (“Prisoner”) and Sophie Stone (“Falling”), alongside filmmaker Myrid Carten, whose documentary “A Want in Her” earned acclaim on the festival circuit. The cohort also includes “Emmerdale” writer Yassmin Abdel-Magied, “Ish” director Imran Perretta and Louis Paxton, the writer and director behind “The Incomer.”
In documentary and unscripted television, the program recognizes Chris Lynch, presenter and producer of “In the Driving Seat,” and Runako Celina, producer and reporter on “Death in Dubai.”
Five creatives working in games have also been selected, including Eloise Singer, writer and director of “The Pirate Queen: No Safe Waters“; Husban Siddiqi, game director and developer of “Rogue Eclipse”; and Kate Killick, creative director of “Pieced Together.”
“BAFTA Breakthrough is a hugely impactful programme,” BAFTA CEO Jane Millichip said in a statement. “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.”
The program’s alumni include Florence Pugh, Tom Holland, Jessie Buckley, Josh O’Connor, Bella Ramsey, Paapa Essiedu and Letitia Wright. Since its launch, more than 330 creatives have participated globally, collectively earning more than 200 BAFTA nominations and over 80 wins.
Netflix returns as the program’s official supporter for the seventh consecutive year, with the partnership forming part of the streamer’s Generation N initiative to develop emerging and mid-career talent in the U.K.
“We are so proud to back BAFTA Breakthrough for a seventh year,” Anne Mensah, Netflix’s vice president of U.K. content, said. “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.”
BAFTA North America is expected to announce its U.S. Breakthrough cohort later in November.
Film
- Hollie Bryan — Producer, “The Ceremony”
- Louis Paxton — Writer/director, “The Incomer”
- Lucy Allen and Tom Payne — Casting directors, “Sunny Dancer”
- Imran Perretta — Co-writer/director, “Ish”
- Regina Meessen — Hair and makeup designer, “Dreamers”
- Ted Evans — Writer/director, “Retreat”
Documentary/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”
Television
- Ella Bruccoleri — Actor, “The Other Bennet Sister”
- Izuka Hoyle — Actor, “Prisoner”
- Philippa Mumford — Production designer, “Juice” Season 2
- Sophie Stone — Actor, “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”
English (US) ·