Ella Bruccoleri named in 2026 BAFTA Breakthrough cohort

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts has named actor Ella Bruccoleri among its 2026 BAFTA Breakthrough cohort, according to reports by The Hollywood Reporter, Deadline, and Variety. The annual initiative spotlights emerging talent across film, television, and video games. The Hollywood Reporter, Deadline, and Film-News.co.uk all reported that 21 UK creatives were chosen for the cohort. [1][2][3][4][5]

The year-long initiative, which is supported by Netflix, is now in its 13th year, according to The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline. BAFTA stated that the program aims to accelerate the careers of individuals who are on the cusp of a breakthrough moment. Selected participants receive one-to-one meetings and career guidance. Deadline noted that actors Josh O'Connor and Florence Pugh are past participants in the program. [1][2][5]

Bruccoleri stars as Mary Bennet in the screen adaptation of The Other Bennet Sister. Her previous television roles include playing Sister Frances in the BBC One drama series Call the Midwife from 2018 to 2022. The 2026 BAFTA Breakthrough list also features filmmaker Imran Perretta and actors Sophie Stone and Izuka Hoyle, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline. Hoyle previously appeared in the 2024 film adaptation of the 2016 memoir The Outrun. [1][2][7][8]