What's happened
The AP has named Arden Cho, Owen Cooper, Danny Ramirez, Chase Sui Wonders, and Tramell Tillman as 2025's top emerging talents. The year saw historic Emmy wins and major career milestones, highlighting a diverse group of young actors who gained critical and popular acclaim across film and television.
What's behind the headline?
The 2025 class of breakthrough entertainers exemplifies a shift toward diversity and youth in the industry. Arden Cho’s success with 'KPop Demon Hunters' propelled her to Netflix’s top spot, while Tramell Tillman made history as the first Black supporting actor Emmy winner in a drama. Owen Cooper and Chase Sui Wonders demonstrated versatility with prominent roles in TV and film, signaling a new generation of actors who are not only talented but also breaking barriers. This year’s recognition underscores the industry’s increasing focus on diverse stories and representation, which will likely influence casting and production choices moving forward. The prominence of these young actors suggests a future where fresh talent continues to reshape entertainment’s landscape.
What the papers say
The Independent highlights the historic Emmy wins and the diverse achievements of these actors, emphasizing their impact on the industry. AP News notes the broad range of ages and backgrounds among the honorees, including Emmy winners and rising stars. Both sources underscore the significance of this year's accomplishments, with The Independent providing detailed insights into individual careers and milestones, while AP emphasizes the diversity and broad recognition across entertainment sectors.
How we got here
This year’s breakthrough entertainers include a mix of Emmy winners, rising stars, and those who changed career tracks. Their achievements span from historic Emmy wins to record-breaking Netflix movies and major roles in blockbuster films, reflecting a year of significant career milestones in entertainment.
Go deeper
More on these topics
-
Danny Ramirez is an American actor. He is best known for his role as Wes in The Gifted, Mario Martinez in the TV series On My Block and Joaquin Torres in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. He will be in the upcoming movie Top Gun: Maverick.
-
Arden Lim Cho is an American actress, singer and model best known for her role as Kira Yukimura on Teen Wolf. She also played the lead in the 2010 short film Agents of Secret Stuff, presented by Ryan Higa and Wong Fu Productions.
-
Chase Sui Wonders (born May 21, 1996) is an American actress. She is known for her roles as Riley in the HBO Max series Generation (2021), Emma in the horror-comedy film Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022), Quinn Hackett in Apple TV+ satirical comedy series The..