BAFTA Unveils 2026 Breakthrough U.K. Cohort, Including ‘The Other Bennet Sister’ Star Ella Bruccoleri

BAFTA has unveiled its 2026 Breakthrough U.K. cohort, selecting 21 emerging creatives from film, television and games for its annual talent development programme. The announcement highlights rising talent such as actor Ella Bruccoleri, known for “The Other Bennet Sister”, and matters because the selected creatives will receive support to build their careers across the screen industries.

The programme, now in its 13th year, provides year-round career support, mentorship, networking opportunities and full BAFTA membership; Netflix is supporting it for the seventh consecutive year. Five of the 21 selected creatives work in games, while the cohort also includes actors Izuka Hoyle and Sophie Stone, filmmaker Myrid Carten and “Emmerdale” writer Yassmin Abdel-Magied. More than 330 creatives have taken part globally, earning over 200 BAFTA nominations and more than 80 wins; BAFTA North America is expected to announce its U.S. cohort later in November.