Twenty-one emerging creatives across film, television, documentaries and video games have been selected for BAFTA’s career development programme, now in its 13th year.
BAFTA has announced the 21 creative professionals selected for its 2026 Breakthrough UK programme, recognizing emerging talent across film, television, documentaries and video games. Supported by Netflix, the initiative provides a year of professional development, industry connections and career guidance to individuals who have reached an important stage in their careers.
The new cohort includes actors Ella Bruccoleri, Izuka Hoyle and Sophie Stone, alongside filmmakers, producers, casting directors, designers and video game developers. Now in its 13th year, BAFTA Breakthrough aims to help promising professionals establish lasting careers in the entertainment industry.
Participants receive full BAFTA membership, access to exclusive events and screenings, individual meetings with industry professionals and opportunities to build relationships with established figures. The programme offers support beyond public recognition, helping participants develop the contacts and experience needed to advance their careers.
Since its launch, more than 330 creatives have participated in BAFTA Breakthrough internationally. According to figures released with the announcement, former participants have collectively received more than 200 BAFTA nominations and won over 80 awards.
Film Talent Includes Directors, Producers and Casting Professionals
The film category features seven professionals whose work covers several aspects of movie production. Their inclusion reflects BAFTA’s recognition that successful films depend on both performers and the creative specialists working behind the camera.
Louis Paxton joins the cohort as writer and director of The Incomer, while Hollie Bryan is recognized for producing The Ceremony. Imran Perretta, who co-wrote and directed Ish, has also been selected.
Writer-director Ted Evans is included for his work on Retreat, while Regina Meessen receives recognition for hair and makeup design on Dreamers. Casting directors Lucy Allen and Tom Payne, who work together through Allen & Payne Casting, complete the film selection for their contributions to Sunny Dancer.
The range of specialties in the film group demonstrates the programme’s interest in supporting different career paths. Producers, directors, casting specialists and makeup designers all contribute skills that shape the finished work audiences eventually see.
Television Performers and Creators Earn Recognition
Television is another major part of the 2026 selection, with six participants representing acting, writing, production design and programme development. The group includes individuals working on established television productions alongside creators developing their own projects.
Ella Bruccoleri is recognized for her performance in The Other Bennet Sister, while Izuka Hoyle is selected for Prisoner. Sophie Stone joins the cohort for her work on Falling.
Television writer Yassmin Abdel-Magied is included for her contributions to the British soap opera Emmerdale. Production designer Philippa Mumford receives recognition for the second series of Juice, while Tom Cousins is selected as creator and executive producer of Rafi the Wishing Wizard.
These selections acknowledge the range of professional skills required in television production. Writing, acting and visual design each contribute to how stories are developed and presented to viewers.
Documentary and Unscripted Creatives Join the Programme
Three participants come from documentary and unscripted productions, an area of screen entertainment that includes investigative reporting, personal storytelling and factual programming. Their work reflects different approaches to presenting real-life experiences and events.
Chris Lynch is recognized as presenter and producer of In the Driving Seat. Myrid Carten joins the programme as writer and director of A Want in Her, while Runako Celina is selected for her work as producer and reporter on Death in Dubai.
The documentary selections recognize storytelling that depends on research, reporting and the ability to communicate complex subjects to audiences. Their participation also gives factual-programming professionals access to the same career development opportunities available to participants working in fictional entertainment.
Video Game Developers and Performers Represent Interactive Entertainment
Five participants from the video game industry have been selected, demonstrating BAFTA’s continued commitment to recognizing interactive entertainment alongside film and television. The group includes developers, designers, directors and a performer.
Eloise Singer is recognized as writer and director of The Pirate Queen: No Safe Waters. Husban Siddiqi joins as game director and developer of Rogue Eclipse, while Kate Killick is selected as creative director of Pieced Together.
Niru Fekri-Arnold is included for creating and designing Cursed Words. Performer Tom McKay completes the games category for his work on Mysteria Ecclesiae, downloadable content associated with Kingdom Come: Deliverance.
Video game production combines technical development with storytelling, performance and visual design. BAFTA’s inclusion of these specialties provides opportunities for professionals whose work can be less visible than that of actors or film directors.
BAFTA and Netflix Emphasize Long-Term Career Development
BAFTA CEO Jane Millichip welcomed the latest participants and emphasized the importance of providing professional support across the screen industries. She described Breakthrough as a programme designed to connect talented individuals with opportunities that can help them build sustainable careers.
Millichip also praised the participants’ different professional backgrounds and skills. She thanked Netflix for continuing its partnership and supporting the development of emerging creative talent.
Netflix is supporting BAFTA Breakthrough for the seventh consecutive year, continuing a relationship that forms part of its Generation N initiative. The initiative focuses on supporting new, emerging and mid-career talent working in the United Kingdom’s entertainment industries.
Anne Mensah, Netflix’s vice president of UK content, expressed enthusiasm for the latest group and the continued partnership. She said the company was proud to support the programme for another year and welcomed the opportunities it creates for developing professionals.
The partnership gives BAFTA an established industry supporter as it provides mentoring, networking and professional development. Participants also gain access to BAFTA’s broader membership community, creating opportunities to meet people from different areas of film, television and games.
A Programme With Established Industry Alumni
Previous BAFTA Breakthrough participants include actors Florence Pugh, Tom Holland, Jessie Buckley, Josh O’Connor, Bella Ramsey and Letitia Wright. Their subsequent careers demonstrate the range of opportunities available to professionals recognized during important stages of their development.
The programme is intended for people who have already achieved a significant professional milestone rather than those entering the industry without experience. Applicants must demonstrate meaningful creative contributions, and successful candidates are selected with input from established industry professionals.
BAFTA also encourages applications from people who have faced barriers to career advancement, including professionals from underrepresented backgrounds. Its stated objective is to make creative opportunities more accessible while supporting individuals whose work has already shown professional promise.
The 2026 UK participants will receive career development support throughout their programme year. BAFTA North America is also expected to announce its 2026 United States Breakthrough cohort later in November, extending the programme’s recognition of emerging talent beyond the United Kingdom.
IMAGE: Cropped video still of English actor Susan Wokoma, appearing in character as Fola in a trailer for the 2022 BBC sitcom Cheaters, uploaded to YouTube by Dutch broadcasting service NPO Start. Photo: NPO Start / Wikimedia, taken 2023-02-25, CC BY 3.0