Over the past few years, our screens have been graced with an exhilarating array of performances. As we have reluctantly parted ways with beloved names of the industry, we have simultaneously welcomed new and exciting faces to the scene.

Owen Cooper

An actor who made a considerable statement was the young Owen Cooper, with his debut role as Jamie Miller in the Netflix series Adolescence (2025). Only 14 years old during the shooting, Cooper approached the tender subject matter of the series with a profound maturity, offering audiences a complex and devastating portrayal of the young teen’s story. The series itself won four Golden Globes and several Emmy and Critics’ Choice awards by the end of the 2025 season. Among its many accolades, it was recognised for its striking cinematography, with each episode being filmed in one continuous take. The series possessed a certain intimacy in this aspect, one which encouraged an incredibly raw performance from Cooper and the rest of the tremendous cast.

Unsurprisingly, Adolescence has skyrocketed his career and earned him a Golden Globe. Having already undertaken his second major role as a young Heathcliff in the upcoming film adaptation of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights, Cooper is definitely one to watch for in the future.

Brendan Fraser

We have also witnessed the powerful revival of several prominent acting careers. I am drawn to the captivating story of Brendan Fraser, who made various appearances on the big screen from the turn of the millennium into the early 2010s. Fraser took on title roles in notable films such as The Mummy (1999) and Journey to the Centre of the Earth (2008). However, due to various personal struggles during this period, Fraser took a career break and returned to our screens in 2019. Upon his return, Fraser was by no means the same youthful action hero of the early 2000s.

Instead, a new actor emerged from the rubble of his younger self, appearing in productions like The Whale (2022) and Killers of the Flower Moon (2023). The Whale saw Fraser receive an Oscar for Best Actor at the 2023 Academy Awards. Fraser’s performance was incredibly powerful. His raw portrayal of Charlie’s fragility and guilt was made all the more poignant by the actor’s own personal struggles, allowing a distinctive depth to his character. Fraser placed himself in a position of vulnerability and I was pleased to learn from his acceptance speech that the love and support from those around him were driving forces in his return to the screen. I look forward to seeing where his career takes him next, including his role in the newly released film Rental Family.

Jessie Buckley

Considering actors and actresses who have gradually come into the limelight, the amazing Jessie Buckley comes to mind. Over the past decade, Buckley has appeared in several impressive productions such as Wicked Little Letters (2023) and Netflix’s The Lost Daughter (2021). In these films and in her other roles, Buckley leaves her mark upon the audience through her effortlessly compelling performances. Her clear adaptability across a wide range of genres from comedy to thriller proves the fantastic versatility that she possesses.

Therefore, it came as no surprise that she took on what is perhaps her most impactful role as Agnes Hathaway in Hamnet, providing theatres around the world with a masterclass in the portrayal of grief. In my view, Buckley undeniably stole the show and outshone her co-star, Paul Mescal. It felt somewhat inevitable and certainly deserved that she would go on to be recognised for her performance in both the Critics’ Choice and Golden Globe awards. I have the impression that we will be seeing a lot of Jessie Buckley over the next few years, be it in exciting productions yet to be announced or on stage at the upcoming Academy Awards.

While Cooper, Fraser and Buckley may differ in age and experience, they all possess a clear devotion to their profession by stepping into each role with care and humility. We have much to look forward to in the years to come as these rising stars mature, develop and discover new avenues within their acting careers. Who knows, we could see one of these stars winning again at the 2027 Academy Awards season?

Words by Harry Youlten

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