The future of Hollywood has officially arrived, and social media is already losing it over the latest roster of rising talent. Variety has announced its highly anticipated ” Actors to Watch” for , a list that has historically predicted the careers of legends like Viola Davis, Mahershala Ali, and Timothee Chalamet.
This year’s class is already generating massive online buzz, featuring stars from some of the most talked-about projects of the fall, including “Gladiator II,” “American Sports Story,” and the viral hit “Emilia Perez.”
“The fall film festival season is once again in full swing and once again screens everywhere are filled with exciting, dynamic performances,” says Steven Gaydos, Variety’s executive editor. He noted that this year’s performers all share one specific trait: “the capacity for greatness.”
Fans React to Drew Starkey and Josh Rivera’s Big Year
Perhaps no name on the list has sparked more excitement on TikTok and X than Drew Starkey. Known to millions as the troubled Rafe Cameron on “Outer Banks,” Starkey is currently earning rave reviews for a major career pivot. He stars opposite Daniel Craig in Luca Guadagnino’s upcoming film “Queer,” a role that fans are calling a total game-changer for the actor.
Joining him in the spotlight is Josh Rivera, who is currently the subject of endless social media threads for his haunting portrayal of Aaron Hernandez in Ryan Murphy’s “American Sports Story.” After making a splash in Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story,” Rivera’s transformation into the late NFL star has proved he is one of the most versatile actors of his generation.
Historic Wins and Musical Icons
The list also celebrates Karla Sofia Gascon, the Spanish actress who made history at the Cannes Film Festival. Gascon shared the Best Actress prize with her “Emilia Perez” co-stars Selena Gomez and Zoe Saldana, and the buzz surrounding her performance is only getting louder as the film nears its wide release.
On the biopic front, two actresses are trending for portraying legendary real-life figures. Monica Barbaro, who stole hearts as a pilot in “Top Gun: Maverick,” is set to play folk icon Joan Baez in “A Complete Unknown,” starring alongside Timothee Chalamet. Meanwhile, Ella Hunt is catching everyone’s attention for her portrayal of the late comedy queen Gilda Radner in the upcoming film “Saturday Night.”
The Full List of Honorees
The Class of includes a diverse mix of talent across every genre:
Monica Barbaro: Trading fighter jets for folk music in “A Complete Unknown.”
Monica Barbaro: Trading fighter jets for folk music in “A Complete Unknown.”
Zoe Chao: The “Afterparty” favorite is heading to the big screen in “Nightbitch” with Amy Adams.
Zoe Chao: The “Afterparty” favorite is heading to the big screen in “Nightbitch” with Amy Adams.
Ryan Destiny: The singer-songwriter is earning “breakthrough” labels for her role as Olympic boxer Claressa “T-Rex” Shields in “The Fire Inside.”
Ryan Destiny: The singer-songwriter is earning “breakthrough” labels for her role as Olympic boxer Claressa “T-Rex” Shields in “The Fire Inside.”
Karla Sofia Gascon: The Cannes standout leading the “Emilia Perez” charge.
Karla Sofia Gascon: The Cannes standout leading the “Emilia Perez” charge.
Fred Hechinger: Making moves in “Gladiator II” and “Kraven the Hunter.”
Fred Hechinger: Making moves in “Gladiator II” and “Kraven the Hunter.”
Ella Hunt: Bringing Gilda Radner to life in “Saturday Night.”
Ella Hunt: Bringing Gilda Radner to life in “Saturday Night.”
David Jonsson: The “Alien: Romulus” scene-stealer who is becoming a sci-fi and drama staple.
David Jonsson: The “Alien: Romulus” scene-stealer who is becoming a sci-fi and drama staple.
Josh Rivera: Currently starring in the must-watch “American Sports Story.”
Josh Rivera: Currently starring in the must-watch “American Sports Story.”
Drew Starkey: Breaking out of the “Outer Banks” bubble with “Queer.”
Drew Starkey: Breaking out of the “Outer Banks” bubble with “Queer.”
Toby Wallace: Following up “The Bikeriders” with a role in Ron Howard’s “Eden.”
Toby Wallace: Following up “The Bikeriders” with a role in Ron Howard’s “Eden.”
What is Next for the Rising Stars
Fans won’t have to wait long to see these stars celebrated in person. The honorees will be feted at a special brunch on October at the Newport Beach Film Festival Honors.
“This year’s class is a great reflection of the diversity and depth of talent that exists in the industry today,” says Gregg Schwenk, CEO of the festival.
With Oscar winners having previously graced this list, the question on everyone’s mind is: which of these will be the first to take home a gold statue? If the current online excitement is any indication, we’ll be seeing these faces on red carpets for decades to come.
