Akinola Davies Jr. Joins 2025 BAFTA Breakthroughs List

URGENT UPDATE: The British Academy has just unveiled the 2025 BAFTA Breakthrough U.K. cohort, spotlighting 20 emerging talents in film, TV, and gaming. Among these creatives is Akinola Davies Jr., whose directorial debut, My Father’s Shadow, has already made waves at the Cannes Film Festival.

Davies Jr.’s film received a special mention from the Un Certain Regard jury and has been chosen to represent the U.K. at the Oscars. It leads the nominations heading into this weekend’s British Independent Film Awards, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.

This year’s BAFTA Breakthrough initiative, supported by Netflix since 2019, aims to provide a platform for creatives on the verge of a breakthrough. Participants gain access to one-on-one meetings, career guidance, and full BAFTA awards voting membership. They also benefit from industry networking events and screenings both in the UK and internationally.

“It is an absolute pleasure to welcome this year’s outstanding participants of BAFTA Breakthrough,” stated Jane Millichip, CEO of BAFTA. “For 12 years, this program has supported creatives in navigating the complex corridors of screen arts. I am enormously grateful to Netflix for their continued support.”

The full list of the 2025 BAFTA Breakthrough UK cohort includes:

• Akinola Davies Jr. – director/co-writer (“My Father’s Shadow”)
• Alderney Middleton – series producer (“Maddie + Triggs”)
• Cara Ellison – writer/narrative designer (“Ghost Town”)
• Ellis Howard – performer (“What It Feels Like for a Girl”)
• Jodie-Simone Howe – costume designer (“Mr Loverman”)
• Kyle Banks – director (“Farewell North”)
• Laura Carreira – director/writer (“On Falling”)
• Marie-Elena Dyche – producer (“Harvest”)
• Mark Choi – composer (“Empire of the Ants”)
• Matthew Gurney – performer (“Reunion”)
• Megumi Inman – co-director/producer (“Atomic People”)
• Nathalie Pitters – director of photography (“Brian and Maggie”)
• Nathaniel Price – writer/associate producer (“Mr Loverman”)
• Olaide Sadiq – director (“Grenfell: Uncovered”)
• Owen Tooth – director (“EastEnders”)
• Pinny Grylls – director/writer/editor (“Grand Theft Hamlet”)
• Sally Beaumont – lead voice actor/script consultant (“Old Skies”)
• Stanley Baxton – solo developer (“LATEX, LEATHER, LIPSTICK, LOVE, LUST”)
• Stephanie Taylor – composer (“The Search For Nicola Bulley”)
• Vivian Eguridu – series casting producer (“Love is Blind UK” series 1)

Since its inception, the BAFTA Breakthrough program has helped over 330 creatives advance their careers, including notable alumni like Letitia Wright and Josh O’Connor. The initiative showcases the U.K.’s vibrant talent pool, emphasizing the importance of diversity in the arts.

As the film and television industry continues to evolve, all eyes will be on this year’s cohort to see how they leverage this opportunity to propel their careers forward. The BAFTA North America branch will announce its Breakthrough U.S. talent in December, expanding the global reach of this significant initiative.

Stay tuned for more updates as these promising talents make their mark in the entertainment world.