Have you ever been captivated by a performance so profound that you found yourself reflecting on it days later? Such moments often come courtesy of exceptional actresses who breathe life into their characters, making them inseparable from the story itself. This article celebrates the rising stars in the acting world—those who are making waves and showing immense promise. You won’t want to miss these talents as they continue to shine.
Rising Stars: Best Actresses to Watch
How do you sift through the burgeoning talent in the entertainment industry to identify those with the potential to become the next big thing? We’ve taken the guesswork out of it for you by highlighting these exceptional actresses. Their performances have already started turning heads, and each one of them brings something unique to the table.
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Zendaya
Early Beginnings
Zendaya first gained fame through her role on the Disney Channel’s “Shake It Up.” Since then, she has continuously evolved, demonstrating a depth of talent that extends far beyond her teenage roles.
Breakout Roles
Her performance as Rue Bennett in HBO’s “Euphoria” earned her critical acclaim and an Emmy Award, making her one of the youngest to win in this category. Zendaya has also garnered attention through her roles in major films such as “Spider-Man: Homecoming” and “Dune.”
What Makes Her a Rising Star
Zendaya’s ability to transition between television and film while delivering compelling performances speaks volumes about her acting prowess. Her grounded approach to complex characters indicates she has a bright future ahead.
Florence Pugh
Early Beginnings
Florence Pugh’s career began with the independent film “The Falling,” but it was her role in “Lady Macbeth” that put her on the map. Pugh’s ability to embrace a wide range of characters marks her as a versatile performer.
Breakout Roles
One of her most talked-about roles is Amy March in Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of “Little Women,” a role that earned her an Academy Award nomination. In “Midsommar,” she delivered a haunting performance that showcased her adaptability and emotional depth.
What Makes Her a Rising Star
Florence Pugh’s ability to portray a spectrum of emotions and complex characters with ease positions her as one of the most exciting talents of her generation.
Anya Taylor-Joy
Early Beginnings
Anya Taylor-Joy made her mark in the horror genre with “The Witch.” Her unique look and acting style set her apart from her peers right from the start.
Breakout Roles
Anya’s role in the Netflix series “The Queen’s Gambit” catapulted her to international fame, earning her a Golden Globe Award. Her other notable performances include “Emma” and “Split.”
What Makes Her a Rising Star
Her skill at transforming into wildly different characters across genres makes Anya Taylor-Joy an actress to watch closely. She’s able to take on complex roles with a natural ease that captivates audiences.
Jodie Comer
Early Beginnings
Jodie Comer initially caught attention with her nuanced performance in the TV series “My Mad Fat Diary.” However, her major breakthrough came later.
Breakout Roles
Jodie Comer’s portrayal of the charismatic yet deadly assassin Villanelle in “Killing Eve” has turned her into a household name. This role has earned her an Emmy Award and a BAFTA TV Award.
What Makes Her a Rising Star
Jodie Comer’s ability to seamlessly switch between accents and personas is nothing short of remarkable. Her performances are powerful, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.
Side Note on Career Growth
Being cast in Ridley Scott’s “The Last Duel” opposite Matt Damon and Adam Driver further cements her status as a rising star in Hollywood.
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Thomasin McKenzie
Early Beginnings
Thomasin McKenzie began her acting career in New Zealand, appearing in various local productions. Her major breakthrough came with the role in “Leave No Trace.”
Breakout Roles
She gained international recognition for her role in “Jojo Rabbit,” a film that required a delicate balance of humor and heartbreak. Her performance in “Last Night in Soho” has also garnered critical acclaim.
What Makes Her a Rising Star
Thomasin McKenzie’s nuanced portrayals and ability to evoke deep emotion at such a young age make her one of the brightest up-and-coming talents in the industry.
Letitia Wright
Early Beginnings
Letitia Wright began her career in small roles on British television. Her talent quickly became apparent, earning her larger parts.
Breakout Roles
Wright’s breakout role came as Shuri in Marvel’s “Black Panther.” Her charismatic performance won her legions of fans and established her as a key player in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
What Makes Her a Rising Star
Letitia Wright’s versatility and infectious energy make her a standout talent. Her role in the Marvel franchise has opened the door to a multitude of opportunities in Hollywood.
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Eliza Scanlen
Early Beginnings
Eliza Scanlen kicked off her career in Australian TV, but it wasn’t long before her talent was recognized internationally.
Breakout Roles
Her performance as Beth March in “Little Women” and as Amma Crellin in the miniseries “Sharp Objects” showed her range and depth as an actress.
What Makes Her a Rising Star
Eliza Scanlen brings a raw authenticity to her roles, making her characters incredibly relatable and believable. Keep an eye on her as she takes on more challenging roles.
Regina King
Early Beginnings
Regina King has been in the entertainment industry for several years, but it’s her recent work that has earned her the most acclaim. She started in television, appearing in shows like “227.”
Breakout Roles
Her roles in “If Beale Street Could Talk” and HBO’s “Watchmen” have been game-changers. She won an Oscar for the former and an Emmy for the latter.
What Makes Her a Rising Star
Though not a newcomer, Regina King’s recent surge in highly acclaimed roles cements her status as a powerful talent in the industry, proving that hard work and consistency can lead to lasting success.
Maria Bakalova
Early Beginnings
Maria Bakalova began her acting journey in Bulgaria, starring in various local productions before making her way to Hollywood.
Breakout Roles
She gained widespread recognition for her role in “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm.” Her performance earned her an Academy Award nomination, a rare feat for a comedic role.
What Makes Her a Rising Star
Maria Bakalova’s fearless approach to her roles and her ability to hold her own among veteran actors make her an actress to watch.
Awkwafina
Early Beginnings
Awkwafina first gained attention through her comedic rap videos on YouTube. Her transition to acting has been nothing short of impressive.
Breakout Roles
Her roles in “Crazy Rich Asians” and “The Farewell” showcased her wide range, earning her a Golden Globe for the latter. She’s also starred in notable projects like “Jumanji: The Next Level.”
What Makes Her a Rising Star
Awkwafina’s ability to excel in both comedic and dramatic roles makes her a versatile and engaging performer. Her natural charisma and unique style set her apart from her peers.
Summary Table
Here’s a quick recap of the actresses and their standout roles:
| Actress | Breakout Role(s) | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Zendaya | “Euphoria” | Emmy Award Winner |
| Florence Pugh | “Little Women,” “Midsommar” | Academy Award Nominee |
| Anya Taylor-Joy | “The Queen’s Gambit” | Golden Globe Winner |
| Jodie Comer | “Killing Eve” | Emmy Award Winner, BAFTA TV Award Winner |
| Thomasin McKenzie | “Jojo Rabbit,” “Leave No Trace” | Critical Acclaim |
| Letitia Wright | “Black Panther” | Pivotal Role in Marvel Cinematic Universe |
| Eliza Scanlen | “Little Women,” “Sharp Objects” | Critical Acclaim |
| Regina King | “If Beale Street Could Talk,” “Watchmen” | Academy Award Winner, Emmy Award Winner |
| Maria Bakalova | “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm” | Academy Award Nominee |
| Awkwafina | “Crazy Rich Asians,” “The Farewell” | Golden Globe Winner |
Conclusion
From powerhouse performances to subtle, nuanced character portrayals, these actresses are shaping the future of the film and television landscape. Whether they’re just starting their career or making a significant impact later in life, their talent is undeniable. Keep an eye on these rising stars as they continue to captivate and inspire audiences around the world. Their journeys are only just beginning, and they promise to bring even more incredible performances to the screen.
