International Breakouts of the Year: ‘Anora’ and ‘Emilia Perez’ Stars, ‘The Substance’ Director and More Had a Career-Changing 2024

As I delve into these captivating tales of resilience and success, it’s impossible not to be inspired by the extraordinary lives of these individuals who have graced our screens this year. From the enigmatic Elly Conway, whose identity remains as elusive as her spy protagonist, to Dougal Wilson, a commercials maestro who has now conquered the world of family films with ‘Paddington in Peru’, each story is a testament to the power of determination and talent.

As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but feel that 2024 will be etched in our memories as a pivotal year in the entertainment industry – a time of struggle and transformation for many. However, it was also a breakout period for numerous global talents, a time when old doors opened wider, calls were answered, and bigger opportunities started knocking. Some, who had been toiling in relative obscurity, found themselves thrust into the limelight, juggling red carpet events and high-profile studio deals. Others, who were already known figures in their home countries, suddenly caught the attention of Hollywood. It was a year that brought significant change, and for many, it marked the beginning of a new chapter in their careers.

The international sensations nurtured by EbMaster comprise a mix of actors, directors, and writers – individuals whose works have ignited discussions and caused ripples in the entertainment industry this year. Among them is the creator and cast members of one of the most buzzed-about TV series (a show that may lead Netflix to an unexpectedly large legal expenditure), the writer/director of a shocking body-horror film which created a stir at Cannes Film Festival and could earn a seasoned actress her inaugural Oscar nod, as well as a debutant director who set new box office records during his feature film’s opening weekend.>

See the list of 12 (well, 11, but you’ll see) international breakouts of the year below.

Maura Delpero — ‘Vermiglio’

Emerging from relative anonymity, young Italian director Maura Delpero has garnered widespread acclaim across Europe, earning the title of ‘indie darling’ following her second film, “Vermiglio”, which won the Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival and was selected over Paolo Sorrentino’s “Parthenope” to represent Italy in the International Oscar race. Set towards the end of World War II in an Alpine village, “Vermiglio” explores the disruptions in the relationships between three sisters as a soldier arrives. The drama has been lauded as “quietly captivating” by film critic Jessica Kiang of EbMaster, who highlights that the movie evolves from subtle details of the environment and textures, into a profound portrayal of daily life in the Italian Alps.

Mark Eydelshteyn, Yura Borisov – ‘Anora’

In the critically acclaimed film “Anora,” Mikey Madison garnered a lot of praise for her role as a sex worker. However, this Cannes-winning movie has also boosted the careers of its two Russian co-stars, Mark Eydelshteyn and Yura Borisov. Prior to “Anora,” both actors were well-known rising stars in their home country, with Eydelshteyn often compared to a “Russian Timotheé Chalamet” and Borisov being a Golden Eagle Awards best actor winner. Since the film’s release by Neon in October, their popularity has skyrocketed in the U.S. Borisov has received multiple nominations for the Golden Globe, Critics Choice, and Independent Spirit Awards, with predictions that he will make it to the Oscars as well. Eydelshteyn has recently been cast for the second season of “Mr. & Mrs. Smith.

Coralie Fargeat — ‘The Substance’

Coralie Fargeat entered the global film scene with “The Substance,” a gripping body horror film that garnered attention at the Cannes Film Festival, winning best screenplay and revitalizing Demi Moore’s career as a leading actress. In her film, Fargeat demonstrates her affection for genre cinema by incorporating elements reminiscent of Stanley Kubrick and David Cronenberg, among others, while also critiquing patriarchy, ageism, and sexism, all infused with her sharp wit that mirrors her bold and assertive character. Fargeat first made an impression with the horror-action movie “Revenge,” another film driven by strong female characters.

Richard Gadd, Jessica Gunning — ‘Baby Reindeer’

Initially, when the Netflix series “Baby Reindeer” premiered in April, few anticipated that a seven-episode limited series about a struggling comedian battling a stalker would become a global phenomenon. However, within just a few weeks of its release, “Baby Reindeer,” inspired by Gadd’s real-life experiences, became the talk of the town both in the U.K. and internationally. It wasn’t long before the true identity of the stalker was exposed. In the show, Gadd wrote the script, played the protagonist, while Gunning portrayed the character of Martha, the stalker. Despite a $170 million defamation lawsuit against Netflix filed by a woman claiming to be the real Martha, this duo’s meteoric rise in Hollywood continues, earning Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for both, as well as a first-look deal with the streamer for Gadd.

Karla Sofía Gascón — ‘Emilia Perez’

Spanish actress Karla Sofía Gascón demonstrated her versatility in “Emilia Perez,” the crime musical by Jacques Audiard. In this film, she portrayed two roles – initially as Manitas del Monte, a notorious cartel leader who disguised herself as a trans woman following a staged death. After transitioning at 46 years old, Gascón had previously gained recognition as a television actor. She made history at the Cannes Film Festival by becoming the first trans actress to win best actress (shared with her female co-stars Zoe Saldana, Selena Gomez, and Adriana Paz). With Golden Globe nominations already under her belt, Gascón is now poised for an Oscar nod. If she secures a nomination, she could become the first trans lead actress to win an Academy Award.

Payal Kapadia — ‘All We Imagine as Light’

2024 saw Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia solidify her global reputation with “All We Imagine as Light,” a powerful sequel to her Cannes-winning debut feature, “A Night of Knowing Nothing.” This film, which garnered Kapadia her second Cannes accolade earlier this year, has since garnered international acclaim, winning the Gotham Award for best international feature. Furthermore, it received two Golden Globe nominations, one for best director, highlighting Kapadia’s expanding influence in global cinema. Her intimate storytelling style and skillful fusion of documentary and fiction have struck a chord globally, positioning her as one of the most captivating voices in contemporary filmmaking.

Anna Sawai — ‘Shogun’

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but express my admiration for Anna Sawai’s mesmerizing acting in “Shogun.” Her commanding performance not only bagged her an Emmy for Lead Actress but also catapulted her to global stardom. Though she made waves in Hollywood with films like “F9: The Fast Saga,” “Pachinko,” and “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,” it’s her role in the FX series that truly showcased her versatility on a global platform. Her portrayal of a complex, nuanced lead in the epic drama was nothing short of remarkable, earning her universal praise.

Dougal Wilson — ‘Paddington in Peru’

In his first venture into feature filmmaking, only a small number of directors are granted control over one of the world’s most cherished and financially successful family franchises – Paddington. Despite being well-known in the commercial world, Dougal Wilson acknowledged that “Paddington in Peru” (the third film in StudioCanal’s CGI/live action Paddington series) was a significant leap. The movie, featuring cast members Hugh Bonneville, Julie Walters, and Ben Whishaw (who voices Paddington), along with new additions Olivia Colman and Antonio Banderas, shattered box office records when it debuted in the U.K. in November, marking the highest opening for the franchise and the highest opening for a U.K.-produced film since “No Time to Die” in 2021.

Leo Woodall — ‘One Day’

2025 looks like it’s shaping up to be an incredible year for me, as I continue building on the success of my heartwarming portrayal of Dexter in Netflix’s “One Day” adaptation. In the first quarter alone, I have two exciting projects lined up! Kicking things off in January, I’ll step into the shoes of a brilliant mathematician entangled in a global mystery for Apple TV+’s “Prime Target.” Just a month later, I’ll be joining Renée Zellweger in the much-awaited fourth installment of the “Bridget Jones” franchise, “Mad About the Boy.” These opportunities come hot on the heels of my memorable performances in “The White Lotus” (2022) and “Citadel” (2023). It’s amazing to think that, with my first IMDB credit dating back only to 2019, I’ve managed to achieve this much so far.

And finally … Elly Conway — ‘Argylle’

The enigmatic author Elly Conway momentarily overshadowed her screen counterpart Bryce Dallas Howard as speculations about Conway’s true identity peaked prior to the premiere of “Argylle,” the movie adaptation of her first book. Adding fuel to the intrigue, Conway—identified merely as an unpublished author whose manuscript about a globetrotting spy had caught Matthew Vaughan’s attention before it hit shelves—was not only a character in the self-referential film (portrayed by Dallas Howard) but possessed almost no online presence. Despite hints suggesting otherwise, director Vaughn and the film’s cast, including Henry Cavill and Bryan Cranston, maintained Conway was genuine. However, it wasn’t until the week of the movie’s release that Terry Hayes and Tammy Cohen finally confessed they were the actual authors behind the espionage thriller. All in all, a successful year for Elly Conway.

2024-12-26 18:17