2025's breakout stars: From Owen Cooper to Olivia Dean - 10 new faces who owned the year

As 2025 comes to a close, it's time to celebrate the artists who stood out, earned acclaim, and hinted at bright future for the industry.

Published on: Dec 28, 2025 7:27 PM IST

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1/10

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Published on Dec 28, 2025 7:27 PM

Miles Caton emerged as the breakout star of Ryan Coogler's 2025 horror film Sinners, making his major film debut as Samuel ‘Sammie’ Moore. His performance highlighted both his acting talent and musical abilities. (Photo by Amy Sussman / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP) (Getty Images via AFP)

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Stephen Graham has become one of 2025's most prominent actors, thanks to his hit Netflix series Adolescence. He earned an Emmy for Best Actor in a Limited Series and also co-wrote the show. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP) (Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

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Published on Dec 28, 2025 7:27 PM

Actor Damson Idris was already recognized for Snowfall, but his role opposite Brad Pitt in the F1 racing film is poised to cement him as a household name. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) (Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

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Aimee Lou Wood's portrayal of Chelsea in The White Lotus Season 3 , along with roles in other TV projects, has significantly boosted her profile. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP) (Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

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Over the past four years, 22-year-old Lola Tung has grown up alongside her character Belly. She landed the role of The Summer I Turned Pretty at just 18, during her first year at Carnegie Melon, as reported by Harper's Bazaar. (Photos: X)

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Odessa A'Zion made a splash with two very different breakout roles: HBO's comedy I Love LA and the Safdie brothers' period drama Marty Supreme. Though her characters differ in era, setting, and style, both showcase her irrepressible charisma and fearless presence.  (A24 via AP) (AP)

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Rising British singer Olivia Dean went viral with her single Man I Need, From her album The Art of Loving. The track has topped charts in countries including Ireland, Belgium, and New Zealand, and recently reached No. 25 on Billboard's Hot 100. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP) (Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

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Katseye first gained attention on reality TV, in fact, two reality shows, but it was this summer that the K-pop group truly broke out, thanks to their viral GAP advertisement and hit music. Members of the girl group Katseye include Sophia, Guest, Manon, Daniela, Megan, and Yoonchae. (Photo by Valery HACHE / AFP) (AFP)

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In One Battle After Another, Chase Infiniti delivered a standout performance as the kidnapped daughter of a leftist revolutionary, skillfully balancing the emotional complexity of a conflicted teenager and an action hero. All while holding her own alongside industry heavyweights like Sean Penn, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Regina Hall. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni (REUTERS)

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In September, Warrington-born teenager Owen Cooper made history as the youngest male actor to win an Emmy for his role in Netflix's Adolescence, portraying a schoolboy accused of murdering a classmate, as reported by the BBC. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File) (Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)