Hollywood’s Rising Stars: AP Names 2025 Breakthrough Entertainers
A new generation of talent has captivated audiences in 2025, and The Associated Press has recognized five performers who have distinguished themselves with remarkable achievements. From a 15-year-old Emmy winner to a Korean American artist topping the music charts, these individuals are poised to shape the future of entertainment.
A Year of Firsts and Defining Roles
The entertainment landscape of 2025 was marked by groundbreaking moments, and these five artists were at the forefront. Owen Cooper, a young English actor, made an emphatic entrance onto the world stage, becoming the youngest male acting winner at the Emmy Awards for his role in “Adolescence.” Remarkably, this win came with his very first professional job.
Alongside Cooper, Tramell Tillman etched his name in Emmy history as the first Black man to win for supporting actor in a drama series for his work on “Severance.” The year also saw standout performances from Chase Sui Wonders, who delivered a compelling performance in Seth Rogen’s satirical film, “The Studio,” and Danny Ramirez, who captivated viewers in Season 2 of “The Last of Us.” Rounding out the group is Arden Cho, whose voice work as Rumi in Netflix’s animated hit, “KPop Demon Hunters,” propelled the film to become the streaming platform’s most-watched movie of all time.
Arden Cho’s Chart-Topping Success
Few performers experienced a year as impactful as Arden Cho. As the lead in “KPop Demon Hunters,” Cho not only starred in a record-breaking film but also contributed to its phenomenal soundtrack success. The film’s accompanying music notched four top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including the chart-topping single “Golden.” “It feels like it is my golden moment,” Cho remarked, reflecting on the culmination of her efforts.
From Harvard Yard to the Silver Screen
Chase Sui Wonders enjoyed a particularly busy 2025, balancing academic pursuits with a burgeoning acting career. The Harvard-educated performer showcased her versatility with roles as Quinn Hackett, a comically manipulative creative executive in “The Studio,” and Ava Brucks, a scream-queen in “I Know What You Did Last Summer.” “I do feel absurdly lucky that I get to be on set with all my friends and telling a bunch of jokes and being a weirdo on screen,” Wonders shared.
Ramirez Continues to Break Barriers
Danny Ramirez continued his ascent as a leading man in 2025, building on his previous roles as Falcon in the Marvel Cinematic Universe – the first Latino Avenger – and Lt. Mickey “Fanboy” Garcia in “Top Gun: Maverick.” He delivered a memorable performance as a vengeful character in the critically acclaimed “The Last of Us.” “Across the board, it’s been creatively, incredibly fruitful,” Ramirez stated. “I’ve been a part of some amazing productions. I’ve been able to see the world. It’s been the dream.”
Tillman’s Banner Year and Collaborative Spirit
Tom Cruise’s latest blockbuster, “Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning,” also provided a platform for another AP Breakthrough Entertainer, Tramell Tillman. In addition to his role in the action-packed film, Tillman delivered a breakout performance in Season 2 of “Severance,” culminating in a memorable finale featuring a fully choreographed marching band. “It’s been quite a banner year,” Tillman said. “I want to continue to expand and to tell more stories, stories that we haven’t heard and stories that tell the same story but in a different perspective.”
A Bright Future for a New Generation
Now 16 years old, Owen Cooper is already looking ahead to a future filled with possibilities. After being “anointed as a new Hollywood star” in 2025, he expressed a desire to explore a wide range of roles. “I just want to do everything,” Cooper stated.
For more information on the AP’s 2025 class of Breakthrough Entertainers, visit https://apnews.com/hub/ap-breakthrough-entertainers.
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