Miles Caton and Chase Infiniti are among the honorees for the 2025 BAFTA Breakthrough U.S. cohort.

Miles Caton and Chase Infiniti are being recognized not only for their roles in major Warner Bros. Oscar contenders but also as standout newcomers in the film industry. Caton, known for Sinners, and Infiniti, acclaimed for One Battle After Another, have both been selected as members of the 2025 BAFTA Breakthrough U.S. cohort, an annual list of 12 emerging creatives highlighted by BAFTA North America.

Other notable honorees include Eva Victor, the writer-director-star of Sorry, Baby; Erika Ishii, a prolific voice actor; and Maggie Kang, creator of KPop Demon Hunters. This program aims to celebrate bold and innovative storytelling while supporting the next generation of creative talent.

The BAFTA Breakthrough U.S. initiative remains a vital platform for emerging talent, BAFTA North America stated. Amid a challenging landscape for sustainable careers in entertainment, the program continues to invest in the leaders of tomorrow.

Now in its sixth year, the program offers honorees full voting membership in BAFTA, access to industry events, networking opportunities, and mentorship from established professionals. Apple TV sponsors the initiative, and participants are chosen by a jury of experts from film, television, and video games.

Meet the 2025 Cohort

Brandon Wilson

An actor and writer, Wilson gained recognition for his role in the Oscar-nominated adaptation of Colson Whiteheads The Nickel Boys. He earned the 2024 Gotham Award for Breakthrough Performer and has appeared in films directed by RaMell Ross and produced by Plan B for MGM/Orion.

Brittany Shyne

A filmmaker and cinematographer from Dayton, Ohio, Shyne explores personal history, cultural change, and alienation through both narrative and nonfiction work. Her debut feature, Seeds, premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, winning the U.S. Documentary Grand Jury Award.

Chase Infiniti

Infiniti has made a strong impression with her performances in Paul Thomas Andersons One Battle After Another and Apple TV+s Presumed Innocent. She recently finished work on Hulus The Testaments, continuing her trajectory as a rising Hollywood star.

Erika Ishii

A queer, genderfluid performer, Ishii has over 100 voiceover credits, including roles in Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Apex Legends, and Mortal Kombat 1. Ishii is also known for comedic and narrative work in podcasts and streaming shows, and actively supports LGBTQ+ and social justice causes.

Eva Victor

Victor wrote, directed, and starred in Sorry, Baby, which premiered at Sundance, winning the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award. The film also closed the Directors Fortnight at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.

Frida Perez

A Dominican-American writer and producer from the Bronx, Perez co-created the AppleTV+ series The Studio, earning Emmy recognition. She has also directed short films and received an Ambie nomination for Best Scriptwriting.

Karla Reyes

A game developer and founder of Anima Interactive, Reyes creates socially conscious games such as Take Us North. She previously worked with Square Enix and Niantic and has partnered with organizations including Trevor Noahs Day Zero Productions and UN agencies.

Mia Cioffi Henry

A cinematographer based in New York and Italy, Henrys work spans films, television, commercials, and music videos. She brings a visually rich style to projects and currently serves as Head of Graduate Cinematography at NYU Tisch.

Maggie Kang

Kang, a Los Angeles-based writer and director, is the creator of KPop Demon Hunters, which became a global hit on Netflix, topping charts in over 30 countries and earning a 97% Rotten Tomatoes rating.

Miles Caton

Caton, an actor and musician, received widespread acclaim for his debut in Ryan Cooglers Sinners. He continues to advance his music career alongside acting, co-writing songs for his film projects and releasing his debut single, Somethin.

Paige Bethmann

A Haudenosaunee filmmaker from Rochester, NY, Bethmann has directed non-fiction projects for ESPN, PBS, Vox, and more. Her directorial debut, Remaining Native, won awards at SXSW, and she was named one of Doc NYCs 40 under 40 filmmakers to watch in 2024.

Xalavier Nelson Jr.

A BAFTA-nominated writer, actor, and studio head, Nelson has contributed to over 100 projects including games like Magic: The Gathering and Borderlands 4, as well as comics and voice work in upcoming video games.

Author: Natalie Monroe