The film industry has always been a dynamic space, constantly changing throughout each generation. While established veterans often steal the spotlight, young stars in their 20s are making lasting impressions throughout their growing filmography. Here are some of the young Hollywood stars who are already leaving a significant mark on the industry.
- Florence Pugh
Florence Pugh, my personal favorite among this list, is an undeniable force when it comes to her on-screen presence and transformative roles. From her hauntingly emotional performance in Midsommar to her Oscar-nominated portrayal of Amy March in Little Women, she embodies characters with keen understanding. Her ability to showcase character growth through bringing their mannerisms to life is prominent in roles such as Yelena Belova in Black Widow or Alice Chambers in Don’t Worry Darling. At the age of 28, she has already demonstrated how powerful her range is and continues to captivate audiences with long-lasting, impactful performances.
- TimothĂ©e ChalametÂ
Timothée Chalamet, arguably one of the brightest male stars of this generation, has showcased a range of vulnerability and authenticity in his roles. His breakout performance as Elio Perlman in Call Me by Your Name earned him an Academy Award nomination at just 22, demonstrating his natural ability to convey complex emotions on the big screen. Chalamet’s willingness to take on diverse roles—from indie dramas such as Beautiful Boy to family musicals like Wonka—showcases his versatility and commitment to his craft. With his upcoming projects such as A Complete Unknown, where he steps into the shoes of young Bob Dylan, he continues to push his boundaries, slowly solidifying himself as one of the most talented of his time.
- Anya Taylor-Joy
An actress who I still believe is underrated, despite her impressive body of work, is the mesmerizing Anya Taylor-Joy. With her ability to bring complexity and depth into her characters, she has delivered remarkable performances in roles such as Thomasin in The Witch and Emma Woodhouse in Emma. Arguably, her most praised role as Beth Harmon in The Queen’s Gambit, presented her emotional range and ability to take on a commanding lead, helping the series become one of the most popular Netflix shows of all time. However, The Menu is my personal favorite project of hers, where she uses sharp wit and sarcastic relatability to stand out in an ensemble cast. Her impressive filmography, marked by her wide selection of roles, points at a continuing bright future ahead as a promising talent.
- Rachel Zegler
Rachel Zegler is a double threat, excelling as both an actress and a talented singer. Her breakout role as Maria in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story led her to winning a Golden Globe at age 20. More recently, she portrayed Lucy Gray Baird in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, where she takes full advantage of her acting and vocal talent to craft one of the most unforgettable characters in the film. Additionally, Zegler is currently captivating audiences on Broadway, as she stars in the modern revival of Romeo + Juliet, highlighting her stage presence in an immersive setting. As she sets to star in A24’s Y2K and Disney’s live-action Snow White, her career is only continuing to rise, with promising roles ahead.
All in all, these young talents are redefining talent and delivering impactful performances in Hollywood. Whether you’re a long-time fan of some of these stars or slowly discovering them, their filmographies are definitely worth checking out.