10 Best Rising Stars of 2024

In an industry that is constantly shifting, the way stars rise to fame has never been more diverse. While the silver screen remains a classic launchpad, today’s breakout talents emerge just as often from streaming hits, indie projects, or unexpected viral moments.

A New Era of Stardom: From Small Screens to Big Breaks

Some stars experience career renaissances years after their debuts, showcasing the industry’s openness to reinvention and re-invigoration. In 2024, a compelling array of rising stars exemplify this new landscape, proving that breakout success can come from any corner of entertainment.

10

Mikey Madison

Mikey Madison first caught attention with her breakout role as the angsty and troubled Max in Better Things (2016 – 2022), where she portrayed the complexities of adolescence with raw emotion and subtle humor. She gained wider acclaim with her fiery performance in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) as Susan Atkins, delivering a mix of dark humor and chaotic energy.

From Indie Darling to Sean Baker’s Leading Lady

In 2024, Madison stars in Sean Baker’s Anora, a heartfelt indie comedy where she plays a Russian-speaking stripper from Brooklyn entangled in an unlikely love story with an oligarch’s son. Critics have lauded Madison’s grounded and gritty performance, which captures both the humor and pathos of her character’s journey.

9

Dominic Sessa

Dominic Sessa emerged as a powerful new talent with his poignant performance in Alexander Payne’s The Holdovers (2023), where he played a troubled prep school student opposite Paul Giamatti. His ability to convey both vulnerability and quiet resilience earned him praise as one of the year’s standout newcomers. Sessa’s journey to stardom is an unconventional one—he was cast straight out of his boarding school, bringing an authenticity to the role that resonated deeply with audiences.

From Prep School Discovery to Bourdain Biopic

In 2024, Sessa steps into the shoes of the late Anthony Bourdain in a highly anticipated biopic directed by The Bear’s Christopher Storer. Critics and fans alike are eager to see how Sessa will capture Bourdain’s charisma, complexity, and contradictions.

8

Kali Reis

Kali Reis transitioned seamlessly from world champion boxer to Hollywood breakout star with her riveting debut in Catch the Fair One (2021), a gritty revenge thriller she also co-wrote. Her performance earned her a Special Jury Award at Tribeca, marking her as a talent to watch. In 2024, Reis showcased her range by starring opposite Jodie Foster in True Detective: Night Country, bringing a grounded intensity and authenticity to her portrayal of a conflicted detective navigating Alaska’s icy wilderness.

Boxing Champion Turned True Detective Scene-Stealer

​​​Reis’s next project, Mercy, sees her in the lead role of a crime thriller about a former boxer seeking redemption in the gritty underworld of Boston. Additionally, she has signed on to star in Wind River: The Next Chapter, a Neo-Western crime film exploring a series of ritualistic murders on a reservation. Her commanding physical presence and emotional depth make her a dynamic force in Hollywood.

7

Fred Hechinger

Fred Hechinger first made waves in the coming-of-age drama Eighth Grade (2018) before landing standout roles in The White Lotus (2021) and The Woman in the Window (2021). Known for his ability to steal scenes, Hechinger’s ascent continued with Fear Street (2021) and a haunting turn in Pam & Tommy (2022).

Sundance Sensation and Marvel’s Next Big Thing

In 2024, Hechinger delivers a dual triumph: as a frail but cunning emperor in Ridley Scott’s Gladiator 2, opposite Joseph Quinn and Paul Mescal, and in Thelma, a Sundance sensation where he plays a tormented young artist navigating grief and desire. Next, Hechinger is poised to bring his intensity and depth to the Marvel universe in Kraven the Hunter.

6

Mike Faist

Mike Faist began his career on Broadway, earning a Tony nomination for his standout role as Connor Murphy in Dear Evan Hansen (2021). He transitioned to film with supporting roles in The Atlantic City Story (2020) and Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story (2021), where his electrifying portrayal of Riff was widely celebrated. Faist’s raw energy and ability to bring depth to morally complex characters marked him as a breakout talent.

Broadway Breakout to Hollywood’s Rising Leading Man

In 2024, Faist shone in Challengers, a romantic sports drama directed by Luca Guadagnino, starring alongside Zendaya and Josh O’Connor, where his portrayal of a tennis player entangled in a complex love triangle earned widespread acclaim. He also delivered a standout performance in The Bikeriders, a gritty ensemble drama featuring Austin Butler and Jodie Comer. Up next, Faist is set to play Charles Trask in the adaptation of East of Eden.

5

George MacKay

George MacKay has been building his reputation as one of the most versatile actors of his generation since his early roles in Peter Pan (2003) and How I Live Now (2013). His breakthrough performance came in Sam Mendes’ critically acclaimed 1917 (2019), where he carried the film with his intense and deeply human portrayal of a World War I soldier. MacKay continued to prove his range in projects like True History of the Kelly Gang (2019), where he transformed into a rugged, unhinged outlaw, showcasing a raw physicality and emotional depth.

The Arthouse Prodigy Taking on Blockbuster Epics

In 2024, MacKay delivered powerhouse performances in Femme, a gripping drama about toxic masculinity and identity, and Joshua Oppenheimer’s The End, a long-awaited Cannes award-winning epic that examines the morality of human survival. MacKay’s ability to seamlessly transition between blockbuster hits and arthouse darlings has earned him widespread acclaim. Up next, he’s set to star in features & Sons and Mission.

4

David Jonsson

David Jonsson’s breakout role as Harper Stern in HBO’s Industry (2020–2022) catapulted him into the spotlight, showcasing his ability to bring layered, emotionally resonant characters to life. His portrayal of a fiercely ambitious banker navigating the cutthroat world of finance earned him critical acclaim for its complexity and nuance. Before his rise to prominence, Jonsson honed his craft on stage, appearing in acclaimed productions such as Romeo and Juliet at Shakespeare’s Globe.

From ‘Industry’ Standout to Biopic Game-Changer​​​​​​

In 2024, Jonsson took on a transformative role as an android in Alien: Romulus, the latest installment of the legendary sci-fi franchise. His portrayal of a synthetic being grappling with identity and morality brought emotional depth to a character often seen as cold and mechanical. Jonsson’s next project, Kim and Sammy, sees him stepping into the shoes of Sammy Davis Jr. opposite Sydney Sweeney in Colman Domingo’s highly anticipated biopic. The role, which explores Davis’s life and groundbreaking artistry, is poised to be a career-defining performance.

3

Rhenzy Feliz

Rhenzy Feliz’s journey began with roles in Teen Wolf (2011-2017) and The Tender Bar (2021), where his natural charm and ability to convey emotional vulnerability caught the attention of critics and audiences alike. Feliz’s voice work as Camilo in Disney’s Encanto (2021) showcased his versatility and brought him to a global audience, solidifying his reputation as a multifaceted talent.

Disney Darling to DC Universe’s Next Breakout Star

​​​​​​In 2024, Feliz brought depth and charisma to The Penguin, an HBO Max series that expanded the DC universe. As a key character navigating Gotham’s shadowy underworld, Feliz proved he could hold his own in a high-profile ensemble cast. Up next, he’ll star in Kelly Reichardt’s The Mastermind, a slow-burning drama exploring the moral ambiguity of leadership and betrayal.

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2

Maisy Stella

Maisy Stella first rose to fame as a child actor and singer in Nashville (2012–2018), where she played Daphne Conrad, capturing audiences with her heartfelt performances and impressive vocal talent. Her transition from child star to mature actor has been marked by a thoughtful selection of roles that highlight her range and emotional intelligence. After taking a brief hiatus to focus on her music career, Stella returned to acting with renewed focus.

Nashville’s Child Star Blossoming into Indie Sensation

In 2024, Stella starred in Megan Park’s My Old Ass, a genre-blending indie comedy where she plays Elliott, a teenager who meets her 39-year-old future self, portrayed by Aubrey Plaza. The role required Stella to balance humor and introspection, earning her critical praise for a performance that was both deeply relatable and delightfully quirky. Stella is next slated to star in Flowervale Street alongside Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor.

1

Cailee Spaeny

Cailee Spaeny burst onto the scene with her standout performance in Pacific Rim: Uprising (2018), but it was her portrayal of Priscilla Presley in Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla (2023) that cemented her as one of the most exciting young talents in Hollywood. Her nuanced, emotionally rich performance earned her the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival, marking a major milestone in her career.

Venice Winner Building a Franchise-Fueled Legacy

In 2024, Spaeny continued to build her impressive résumé with leading roles in Alex Garland’s Civil War, a thought-provoking exploration of generational trauma set against a dystopian backdrop, and Alien: Romulus, where she anchored the latest installment of the iconic sci-fi franchise. Spaeny’s future projects include Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, directed by Rian Johnson, and Beef: Anthology, the Netflix series where she’ll star alongside Oscar Isaac and Carey Mulligan. With her ability to effortlessly move between indie dramas and blockbuster franchises, Spaeny is shaping up to be a defining actor of her generation.