The highly anticipated BAFTA Breakthrough awards for 2025 have officially been announced, marking another year of recognizing extraordinary rising stars across a variety of creative industries. Now in its 11th year, this initiative has become one of the UK’s most exciting platforms for discovering emerging talent in fields like TV, film, gaming, and more. The awards cover a range of categories, from costume design and production to direction and game design, spotlighting the diverse and growing world of creativity.
What makes the BAFTA Breakthrough initiative so special? It’s not just about honoring talented individuals; it’s about elevating them. This year’s batch of nominees includes some of the most innovative and boundary-pushing artists who are already making waves in their respective fields. Whether it’s a filmmaker breaking new ground with their bold narrative choices or a game designer crafting immersive worlds, these awards shine a much-needed light on the creative minds who will shape the future of entertainment.
A Star-Studded Lineup of Talent
Some of the previous BAFTA Breakthrough honorees have gone on to become household names, proving that this is a launchpad for some of the UK’s brightest creative minds. Past recipients include Ambika Mod, who recently starred in Netflix’s One Day, Bella Ramsey, Paapa Essiedu, Josh O’Connor, Jessie Buckley, and Letitia Wright. These names have made their mark in major TV shows and films, and they all share one thing in common: they were discovered through BAFTA Breakthrough.
This year, the list of nominees is equally as impressive, with individuals like Jennifer English, who was recently nominated for a BAFTA Games Award for her work as the narrator in Baldur’s Gate 3, and Mawaan Rizwan, known for both creating and starring in the hit BBC Three series Juice. These names, among many others, represent a wave of talent that is quickly making its mark on the global stage.
What’s even more exciting is that the BAFTA Breakthrough awards aren’t just focused on UK talent this year. The initiative has expanded its reach internationally, with nominees from the US and India. Among the standout names is Nava Mau, who wowed audiences with her portrayal of Teri in Richard Gadd’s Baby Reindeer, and Erica Tremblay, a writer and director whose film Fancy Dance featuring Lily Gladstone has garnered much attention. This global expansion is proof that creativity knows no borders and that talent can come from anywhere in the world.
Netflix: A Key Supporter of Emerging Talent
One of the major highlights of the BAFTA Breakthrough initiative is the ongoing support that nominees receive, thanks in large part to the backing of Netflix. The streaming giant has become a key sponsor of the awards and offers its nominees a year-round program filled with professional development opportunities, mentorship, and exposure to the industry’s top influencers.
Netflix’s VP, Anne Mensah, expressed immense pride in being part of such a groundbreaking initiative, saying, “We are so proud to support the exceptional group of creatives who make up BAFTA Breakthrough. The program does a brilliant job of unearthing fresh voices, spotlighting talent, and providing the support needed to help creatives reach their full potential.” With Netflix’s backing, these emerging stars get the kind of industry support that can fast-track their careers and ensure their voices are heard on a global scale.
A Look at the Full List of Nominees
The full list of nominees for the 2025 BAFTA Breakthrough awards features a diverse mix of creators, performers, and artists who are making waves in their industries. Here are just a few of the standout names from the UK, US, and India:
UK Nominees:
- Alice Russell (Director, If the Streets Were on Fire)
- Beth Park (Lead Performance Director, Black Myth: Wukong)
- Clair Titley (Director, The Contestant)
- Mawaan Rizwan (Performer/Writer/Creator/Executive Producer, Juice)
- Shahnaz Dulaimy (Editor, Top Boy)
- Georgina Hurcombe (Creator/Producer/Director, Pop Paper City)
- Jennifer English (Performer, Baldur’s Gate 3)
- Luna Carmoon (Writer/Director, Hoard)
- Rochelle Newman (Producer, White Nanny Black Child)
- Poulomi Basu (Creator/Director/Writer/Art Director, MAYA: The Birth of a Superhero)
US Nominees:
- Angela Walker Patton (Director, Daughters)
- Elaine Gómez (Creative Director, Blink Land)
- Erica Tremblay (Writer/Director, Fancy Dance)
- Hanna Park (Editor, Bottoms)
- Nava Mau (Performer, Baby Reindeer)
- Karrie Shirou Shao (Game Writer/Lead Designer, Pacific Drive)
- Juliana Hoffpauir (Costume Designer, Hit Man)
- Nafisa Kaptownwala (Casting Director, Dìdi)
India Nominees:
- Abhinav Chokhavatia (Game Producer, Down and Out)
- Christo Tomy (Director, Curry and Cyanide: The Jolly Joseph Case)
- Deepa Bhatia (Writer/Director/Producer, First Act)
- Dhiman Karmakar (Sound Designer/Production Sound Mixer, Amar Singh Chamkila)
- Monisha Thyagarajan (Series Producer, The Hunt for Veerappan)
- Neeraj Kumar (Producer/Lead Developer, Artifice: War Tactics)
- Varun Grover (Writer/Director, All India Rank)
A Bright Future for These Creatives
With such a diverse pool of nominees, it’s clear that the future of the creative industries is in good hands. These individuals are pushing boundaries, experimenting with new forms of storytelling, and bringing fresh perspectives to the world of TV, film, gaming, and beyond. The BAFTA Breakthrough awards provide these up-and-coming stars with the platform they need to expand their influence and grow their careers on a global scale.
As Jane Millichip, CEO of BAFTA, noted, “This year we have an amazing roster of casting directors, producers, writers, performers, lead artists, cinematographers, lead developers, and more. We urge the industry to take note.” These creatives represent the next generation of trailblazers who will continue to redefine the way we experience entertainment.
Why It Matters
The BAFTA Breakthrough initiative is more than just an award—it’s a recognition of the hard work, dedication, and passion that these artists bring to their craft. It’s an acknowledgment of the blood, sweat, and tears that go into making art, whether it’s a game, a film, or a TV show. The platform provides these creatives with the exposure and support needed to propel their careers forward, offering mentorship and opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.
As this year’s nominees continue to make their mark on the entertainment world, one thing is certain: the BAFTA Breakthrough awards will remain a key event for discovering the next big thing in creativity, from every corner of the globe. The future of entertainment looks incredibly bright, and these nominees are leading the charge.
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