BAFTA Unveils 2025 Breakthrough Stars, Akinola Davies Jr. Shines

BREAKING: The British Academy has just announced its 2025 BAFTA Breakthrough U.K. cohort, spotlighting 20 rising stars in film, TV, and games. Among them is Akinola Davies Jr., whose acclaimed directorial debut, “My Father’s Shadow,” gained significant recognition at Cannes and is set to represent the U.K. at the Oscars.

This announcement comes as Davies Jr.’s film leads nominations for the upcoming British Independent Film Awards this weekend, making it a pivotal moment in his career. The BAFTA initiative, supported by Netflix since 2019, aims to propel creatives who are on the brink of a breakthrough with essential resources and networking opportunities.

Jane Millichip, CEO of BAFTA, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “It is an absolute pleasure to welcome this year’s outstanding participants of BAFTA Breakthrough.” She emphasized the program’s role in guiding talent from varied backgrounds through the complexities of the screen arts.

The initiative offers participants one-on-one meetings, career guidance, and full BAFTA awards voting membership, plus access to exclusive industry events both in the U.K. and globally. With over 330 creatives having benefited from the program to date, the impact is tangible.

The full list of this year’s BAFTA Breakthrough U.K. cohort includes:

– Akinola Davies Jr. – director/co-writer (“My Father’s Shadow”)
– Alderney Middleton – series producer (“Maddie + Triggs”)
– Cara Ellison – writer/narrative designer (“Ghost Town”)
– Ellis Howard – performer (“What It Feels Like for a Girl”)
– Jodie-Simone Howe – costume designer (“Mr Loverman”)
– Kyle Banks – director (“Farewell North”)
– Laura Carreira – director/writer (“On Falling”)
– Marie-Elena Dyche – producer (“Harvest”)
– Mark Choi – composer (“Empire of the Ants”)
– Matthew Gurney – performer (“Reunion”)
– Megumi Inman – co-director/producer (“Atomic People”)
– Nathalie Pitters – director of photography (“Brian and Maggie”)
– Nathaniel Price – writer/associate producer (“Mr Loverman”)
– Olaide Sadiq – director (“Grenfell: Uncovered”)
– Owen Tooth – director (“EastEnders”)
– Pinny Grylls – director/writer/editor (“Grand Theft Hamlet”)
– Sally Beaumont – lead voice actor/script consultant (“Old Skies”)
– Stanley Baxton – solo developer (“LATEX, LEATHER, LIPSTICK, LOVE, LUST”)
– Stephanie Taylor – composer (“The Search For Nicola Bulley”)
– Vivian Eguridu – series casting producer (“Love is Blind UK” series 1)

The BAFTA North America chapter is set to announce the Breakthrough U.S. talent in December, continuing the momentum of recognizing and nurturing exceptional talent across the board.

As these developments unfold, keep an eye on the upcoming events surrounding the British Independent Film Awards and the Oscars, where Davies Jr. and his peers are poised to make significant impacts. This is a crucial moment for the future of creative arts in the UK, and the world is watching.