Akinola Davies Jr. Among 2025 BAFTA Breakthrough Stars

UPDATE: The British Academy has just announced the **2025 BAFTA Breakthrough U.K.** cohort, spotlighting **20 rising talents** in film, TV, and gaming. At the forefront of this prestigious list is **Akinola Davies Jr.**, whose directorial debut, **“My Father’s Shadow,”** garnered significant acclaim at the **Cannes Film Festival**.

This groundbreaking film not only received a special mention from the **Un Certain Regard jury** but has also been selected to represent the U.K. at the **Oscars**. As the British Independent Film Awards approach this weekend, it stands out as a leading nominee.

The **BAFTA Breakthrough** initiative, supported by **Netflix** since **2019**, offers a vital springboard for creatives poised for major breakthroughs. Participants receive invaluable resources, including personalized career guidance, full BAFTA voting membership, and access to exclusive industry events both in the U.K. and internationally.

Jane Millichip, CEO of BAFTA, expressed her enthusiasm: “It is an absolute pleasure to welcome this year’s outstanding participants of BAFTA Breakthrough. For 12 years, this talent program has supported creatives to navigate the often complex corridors of the screen arts.”

The full list of this year’s 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)

As BAFTA continues to recognize and nurture talent, the global impact of this program is undeniable. Over **330 creatives** have benefited from the initiative, including notable alumni like **Letitia Wright**, **Jessie Buckley**, and **Paapa Essiedu**.

Looking ahead, the **BAFTA North America** team is set to announce the **Breakthrough U.S. talent** in December, further expanding the initiative’s reach.

This announcement is a call to action for filmmakers and creatives everywhere, providing a much-needed boost to the industry as it evolves. Share this news and join the conversation about the future of film and television!