Today Variety announced their annual list of 10 Actors to Watch with “unlimited potential for bright careers,” an honor the publication has bestowed since 1998. In a collaboration now celebrating its fifth year, this dynamic group will be honored at the annual Hamptons International Film Festival this fall.
“The Hamptons International Film Festival has had the privilege of honoring rising talent for over 15 years,” explains David Nugent, Artistic Director of the festival. “We are thrilled to once again partner with Variety to recognize this group of ten diverse, talented actors for the incredible work they have done in their careers. As we have seen our previous honorees blossom over the years—with just this year Brie Larson and Alicia Vikander both taking home Academy Awards—we know this class has a bright future ahead.”
Steven Gaydos, VP and Executive Editor of Variety, adds: “As the Fall film awards season approaches, there may be questions about which films will ultimately shine as prize winners, but there is no doubt that once again the year’s releases feature astounding new talents filled with creative courage and unlimited potential for bright careers. I can’t think of a better place to celebrate their achievements than the prestigious Hamptons Film Festival.”
Past honorees include many future Oscar-winners and nominees such as Viola Davis, Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Samantha Morton, Lupita Nyong’o, Michael Shannon, Melissa Leo and many others.
This year’s 10 Actors to Watch:
Riz Ahmed
Recently on screens in NIGHTCRAWLER (HIFF 2014), JASON BOURNE and HBO’s acclaimed drama The Night Of, soon to be seen in UNA and ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY.
Mahershala Ali
Soon to be seen in the films MOONLIGHT and HIDDEN FIGURES, and on the Netflix series Luke Cage.
Rachel Brosnahan
Will appear in Woody Allen’s new Amazon series and in the 2016 films PATRIOTS DAY and BOOMTOWN.
Ana de Armas
Currently on screens in HANDS OF STONE and WAR DOGS; appearing in next year’s BLADE RUNNER.
Alden Erhenreich
Recently named the new Han Solo; appearing in Warren Beatty’s RULES DON’T APPLY and THE YELLOW BIRDS this year.
Lucas Hedges
The breakout star of MANCHESTER BY THE SEA and appearing next year in Martin McDonagh’s THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI.
Aja Naomi King
A regular on ABC’s hit show How to Get Away With Murder; soon to be seen in the Sundance sensation THE BIRTH OF A NATION.
Tavi Gevinson
Founder of Rookie magazine, recently seen on Broadway in The Crucible, and returning to the stage appearing opposite Daniel Craig in Othello this fall. Films include ENOUGH SAID and the upcoming HUMAN PEOPLE.
Kara Hayward
Previously seen in MOONRISE KINGDOM, appearing in MANCHESTER BY THE SEA and Jim Jarmusch‘s PATERSON this year.
John Legend
An Oscar-winning songwriter (SELMA) making his big screen debut in LA LA LAND opposite Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone this year.
This year’s honorees will be highlighted in the October 4 issue of Variety.
