As I delve into these captivating tales of two rising stars in the cinematic world, I can’t help but feel a sense of awe and admiration for their tenacity and resilience.
Since 1998, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing promising talents on the rise with EbMaster’s annual list of “10 Actors to Watch.” Alumni from this esteemed list include Oscar laureates and nominees such as Timothée Chalamet, Viola Davis, Adam Driver, and Lupita Nyong’o. This year, the selected actors will be honored at a brunch on October 20 during the Newport Beach Film Festival Honors, where they will engage in an insightful Q&A about their careers.
Monica Barbaro – ‘ A Complete Unknown’
Over the past few years, Barbaro has had to cultivate patience – a trait she hadn’t previously been known for. “It’s ironic, as it wasn’t one of my strong points,” she jokes. Having landed the role of Lt. Trace, the solitary female pilot in “Top Gun: Maverick” back in 2018, Barbaro experienced several setbacks before its release in 2022. However, these delays brought a hidden advantage – a tighter bond between the cast members. “We grew much closer as a team,” she says of the Tom Cruise production. “And we went through multiple rounds of publicity, which gave me an opportunity to hone my interview skills, something I was previously uncomfortable with.
The wait, including her audition for the role of Joan Baez in “A Complete Unknown,” a biographical drama directed by James Mangold featuring Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan, prepared her well. Barbaro initially auditioned for the legendary singer’s role in 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic halted all activities. In 2022, she submitted a self-tape when the project was revived, and it wasn’t until early 2023 that she had her first meeting with Mangold.
Due to the labor disputes that year, the film’s production didn’t begin until early 2024, with a planned release date in December. However, Bar-baro found a silver lining: “I had so much more time to study her music and really familiarize myself with the guitar,” she shares. “It completely transformed my approach.” This increased skill on the guitar also allowed her to convincingly execute the most difficult scene, where she performed “Don’t Think Twice,” although only a small portion of that performance ended up in the final film.
In her research, Barbaro had access to Baez’s memoirs and even managed to communicate with the legendary figure herself, although this happened after the shooting had begun. Baez played no role in the film, and it was unclear whether Barbaro should approach her or not. Given this uncertainty, she decided it was more appropriate to seek forgiveness rather than permission. As she had been dreaming about Joan Baez, she believed that if Joan were having dreams about someone, she would initiate contact. The discussion they had was enlightening and served primarily to confirm that Barbaro was on the right track.
—Jenelle Riley
UTA represents the Agency.
Zoë Chao – “Nightbitch”
Chao’s thrilled because she managed to purchase a home in Brooklyn using the income she generated from her love for acting and the arts.
After the debilitating SAG-AFTRA strike last year, it’s understandable that she’s enthusiastic about her recent big purchase and the upward trend of her career. The actress who plays a pivotal role in “Nightbitch,” which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival alongside Amy Adams, also has “The Roses,” directed by Jay Roach, lined up for 2025.
For the Rhode Island native, everything began in her cozy living room, engrossed in VHS tapes of classic films, imitating her beloved actors. As her parents recalled, when she was young, they often heard her chatting with someone in another room, only to find her conversing with an imaginary companion.
If I had a yellow crayon in hand, I’d be standing there, pretending to smoke while chatting with a bookshelf, saying something like, ‘Cut back on the drinks.’ It’s great that they didn’t get startled by this, she says, chuckling.
During her final year at Brown University, she found herself tasked with creating and performing a one-woman show. It was then that she fully embraced acting. “It was through this experience that I recognized I had been devoting my entire life to making this project come alive,” she shares, “and it felt incredibly fulfilling.
She expresses that she’s always believed she has a multitude of skills at her disposal. When faced with material and if she gets a strong intuition about something, she will take action confidently, as she can adapt to various roles.
Ryan Destiny – ‘The Fire Inside’
2019 marked my first venture into the world of boxing when I landed the role of Claressa “T-Rex” Shields, Olympic and world champion, in “The Fire Inside.” To master her unique style, I enlisted the help of Michael B. Jordan’s boxing coach from “Creed,” dedicating numerous hours each day, seven days a week, to training. I eagerly embraced this challenge, relishing the opportunity to test my limits like never before. Boxing, as I discovered, is an exhilarating whole-body experience that demands every ounce of strength and determination.
However, mastering boxing techniques was just one part of the challenge; a string of production problems kept the renowned actor and musician constantly on edge. The cinematographer nominated for an Oscar, Rachel Morrison, had filmed her directorial debut for two days before the COVID-19 lockdown forced a halt. Later, the project was canceled at Universal Pictures, but MGM took it up to revive the production.
As a passionate cinephile, I’m thrilled to share that production resumed for me in 2022, and fortunately, my passion project, Destiny, remained fit and ready. In those years away, I was incredibly fortunate to grow not just as an actor, but also as a person and an artist. With renewed vigor, I express, “I was primed and ready to push even harder in 2022.
She had eagerly anticipated it, but “The Fire Inside” turned out to be exactly the kind of blockbuster debut she had hoped for.
Destiny and Shields have many similarities in their backgrounds. Destiny hails from Detroit, while Shields comes from Flint, a city not too far away. Both are 29 years old, making it simple for them to connect over shared experiences, particularly as young Black women striving in their respective professions. In the year 2012, when Shields was pursuing her first Olympic gold medal at just 17 years old, Destiny was landing her debut TV role. “I think Clarissa achieved far more than me,” Destiny reflects on their parallel paths, “but I was certainly immersed in my own journey, trying to succeed in my field.” Looking back, it’s fascinating to see how much they’ve both progressed since then.
—Angelique Jackson
Representing Agency: UTA (Universal Talent Agency)
Karla Sofía Gascón – ‘Emilia Pérez’
Originally acting in Spanish soap operas, Gascón recently won the best actress prize alongside Zoe Saldaña and Selena Gomez at this year’s Cannes Film Festival for her role as Emilia Pérez. In Jacques Audiard’s daring musical “Emilia Pérez,” Gascón plays Manitas, a former drug lord who undergoes gender reassignment surgery to embark on a new life and seeks to reunite with her estranged children. This brave performance is already generating buzz for best actress accolades.
Gascón was confident in her acting abilities, but worried about her singing and dancing prowess. On the other hand, Audi-ard had been having trouble finding his female lead. Fortunately, their meeting eased both of their apprehensions. They both let out a sigh of relief simultaneously, thinking to themselves, “I’ve found you! You are my last hope!
Beyond her character’s role, Gascón was determined to portray the pre-transition character of Manitas, a performance so authentic that it left some doubting if it was indeed the same actor. “I couldn’t let this chance pass me by, knowing I could do it better than anyone else,” she explains. “Much like any dedicated actor, I don’t shy away from obstacles, I face them head-on.” Drawing inspiration from Marlon Brando in “Apocalypse Now” and Sylvester Stallone in “Rambo”, she experimented with Manitas’ voice and tried out different facial hair styles. Eventually, her dedication convinced the production team.
Gascón aspires to keep making history and shattering boundaries by portraying diverse roles across various genres, aiming to serve as a role model for countless actors, actresses, and individuals he represents in some capacity.
The actress graciously accepting a shared best actress award admits that she still hasn’t fully grasped the magnitude of it. “Ultimately, I simply poured all my heart and emotion into this movie,” she expresses. “What truly matters to me is knowing that I gave everything I had, and I’m proud of it.” She adds, “Emilia Pérez demanded my full self. I am grateful for her spirit that has rewarded me in return.
—Jenelle Riley
UTA is a Talent Agency, similar to IMC Management.
Fred Hechinger – ‘Gladiator 2,’ ‘Thelma,’ ‘Nickel Boys’
Inform Hechinger that it appears grandmas are fond of him due to his captivating portrayal as the grandson in “Thelma,” and he chuckles. To this, Hechinger responds, “Mutual affection is shared in that regard.” This year has been quite eventful for the actor, with projects such as the sequel to “Gladiator” (titled “Gladiator II”), a critically acclaimed indie film (“The Nickel Boys”), a superhero movie (“Kraven the Hunter”), and a musical biopic (“Pavements”) on his schedule. “It might seem like I have a double acting as me,” Hechinger says, “but some of these films were filmed years ago.
Raised in New York City, Hechinger went to St. Anne’s School where his close friend Lucas Hedges, who was already deeply invested in acting, sparked his interest at a young age. “Lucas instilled in me the significance of storytelling and the impact of creating something you genuinely care about.
People who remember Bruno Guzman from his role as the troubled brother to Sydney Sweeney in “The White Lotus” Season 1 or the shy teen in “Eighth Grade” might be taken aback by his menacing portrayal as one of the sibling emperors (alongside Joseph Quinn) in “Gladiator II,” set for release this year. Although he can’t disclose many details, he will hint, “You wouldn’t want to share a cup of coffee with him.
For the movie enthusiast, the process of creating the film was like realizing a lifelong dream, as he had long revered filmmaker Ridley Scott. He vividly recalls watching movies such as ‘Alien’, ‘Thelma and Louise’, and ‘Blade Runner’ only to discover that they were all crafted by the same talented individual. “I still remember being amazed when I found out it was all the work of one person,” he muses. “These diverse films, each so unique yet so powerful, significantly influenced my perception of cinema and the role a director can play.
Hechinger also has to be tightlipped about “Kraven,” in which he plays Dmitri Smerdyakov, a.k.a. the Chameleon. He was already a fan of the comics, but searched out every one. “It’s almost like studying Greek mythology, as every writer at dif- ferent times has a take on the character and what he represents.”
—Jenelle Riley
Talent Agency: WME
Ella Hunt – ‘Saturday Night’
For the past two birthdays, Hunt has found herself immersed in her beloved locale – movie sets. She marked her 25th birthday amidst the dusty trails during the filming of Kevin Costner’s Western masterpiece “Horizon: An American Saga”, and celebrated her 26th while stepping into the past for Jason Reitman’s “Saturday Night”, a production delving into the inaugural broadcast of “Saturday Night Live” in 1975.
Hunt expresses great gratitude for being able to star in movies, and having birthdays on set is a special highlight for him,” Hunt says excitedly. “It was an incredible experience – even more so because I got to work on such varied sets. A big part of my aspiration has been to take on roles that are unique and intriguing. The characters Juliette and Gilda definitely fit that description.
In “Horizon,” Hunt’s character, Juliette Chesney, is a somewhat stern and thorny British colonist navigating the Western frontier. According to Hunt, Juliette might not be an easy character to fall in love with initially. However, Costner was convinced that she could pull off the character’s intense survival journey, and his conviction encouraged her. This confidence boosted by Costner made her feel brave enough to attempt things that scared her.
Hunt found herself yearning to expand her talents and catch herself off-guard, yet never fathomed being considered for the role of portraying a comedy legend like Gilda Radner. “Gilda was quite unexpected for me,” she chuckles, “I honestly thought my agent was jesting.” She admitted, “I was like, ‘There’s simply no universe where this works out for me.’
The emerging British actress has been in the spotlight since she was 11 years old, discovered by an agent during a school play. She’s made a name for herself with heavier roles, such as those in “Dickinson” on Apple TV+ and “Cold Feet” on ITV. However, her break into lighter roles came with the quirky zombie Christmas musical “Anna and the Apoc-alypse.” To her joy, the part didn’t necessitate mimicking Radner’s famous characters like Roseanne Roseannadanna, but instead let her envision what the humorous woman might be like when not on stage.
Hunt explains that we’re getting to know these people ahead of anyone else, as the film shows Radner in her early stages of development. It was enjoyable and creatively stimulating for him to help shape some of her ideas about these characters.
As a movie critic, I found myself captivated by Hunt’s aspiration to star in a musical biopic. Her enthusiasm for perfecting Gilda’s voice for this film was infectious, and I can only imagine the thrill she would experience working on someone’s singing voice as well. She shared her wish list of potential stars, expressing her admiration for Sinead O’Connor, Kate Bush, and Joni Mitchell. Intriguingly, Hunt sees these women as surprising choices, suggesting an intrigue in stepping outside the box for a role that might not seem like a perfect physical fit but promises to deliver an unforgettable performance.
Talent Agency: UTA (United Talent Agency)
David Jonsson – ‘Alien: Romulus’
Jonsson, the rising star of ‘Alien: Romulus,’ confidently states, ‘I’m definitely more of an indie type.’ He finds it strange, not just because it’s one of the highest-grossing Alien films but also because his portrayal of malfunctioning android Andy transforms a common franchise trope into a platform for exceptional acting.
Jonsson explains that interacting with Andy, who’s inherently artificial, feels a bit different. He discovered early on that if he doesn’t adapt this approach, he’ll be suppressing the instinctual responses he typically relies on when working with another actor.
Informed by his father’s eclectic tastes (from “Lady Sings the Blues” to “Coming
As a film enthusiast myself, I embarked on my journey in the world of entertainment, initially gracing the stages of youth theater. Subsequently, I found myself appearing on television shows like “Industry” and films such as “Rye Lane.” Reflecting on my experiences in theater, I recognize that assuming any role demands a certain level of sacrifice. The more roles you take on, the more knowledge you amass. There will be moments when you stumble and feel foolish, but then you pick yourself up, learn from it, and press forward.
Despite Jonsson’s claims of being too shy for the limelight, his upcoming roles in Calum Macdiarmid’s “Wasteman” and Francis Lawrence’s adaptation of Stephen King’s “The Long Walk” suggest that he will remain under the public eye for some time. “A significant part of an actor’s role is making oneself visible, and I hope this leads to more opportunities,” he remarks. “However, acting and art are my primary focus, and everything else follows.”
—Todd Gilchrist
Agency CAA
Influences Chadwick Boseman, Tom Hardy, Gil Scott Heron
Josh Rivera – ‘American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez’
As producer Nina Jacobson mulled over potential actors for the role of sports star Aaron Hernandez in “American Sports Story,” her mind kept drifting to Rivera – a man she had encountered as Sejanus Plinth in “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.
According to Rivera, he wouldn’t have found himself where he is today without her. His journey began in the U.S. tour of “Hamilton,” and his film debut as Chino in Steven Spielberg’s 2021 remake of “West Side Story.” She played a crucial role in introducing him to this project right at the beginning, something for which he is extremely grateful.
Ryan Murphy recognized the resilience and tenacity that Jacobson portrayed when casting the football player-turned-convicted murderer, a man who grappled with his sexuality, experienced abuse in childhood, and suffered from brain trauma. Despite being based on a true story, Rivera chose to depict this complex character as a “perspective of the individual, not an exact replica.” To achieve this, the actor focused on his posture, mannerisms, and dialect.
He believes that establishing the fundamental basis was crucial, as it enabled him to adapt effectively throughout the performance, given varying conditions. Much of this – the unseen moments that the audience isn’t privy to – remains somewhat speculative, making it challenging to mimic a person’s actions in situations we’re unsure of how they would respond.
As a dedicated cinephile diving headfirst into my role, I found myself not just immersed in the script, but also in a physical transformation to embody the title character authentically. This involved a significant weight gain of about 30 pounds, sculpting my physique closer to Hernandez’s.
Drew Starkey – ‘Queer’
The captivating performance by Starkey as the enigmatic love interest opposite Daniel Craig in Luca Guadagnino’s surreal romance film “Queer” has catapulted his career to unprecedented levels. Following its debut at the Venice Film Festival in August, the actor has garnered a flurry of critical acclaim and even sparked whispers for an Oscar nomination in the Best Supporting Actor category. This recognition is likely to place him high on numerous directors’ lists of desirable talents.
Prior to becoming a member of Guadagni’s ensemble of muses, alongside stars like Timothée Chalamet and Josh O’Connor, Starkey had already been seen in films such as the 2022 version of “Hellraiser”. However, he gained significant recognition for portraying the antagonist Rafe Cameron on Netflix’s hit teen adventure series “Outer Banks”. The first part of its fourth season was recently released on Netflix (with the remaining episodes set to drop on November 7).
Starkey found a comfortable fit on the North Carolina-based TV series, given his childhood spent in Hickory, a town nestled in the state’s mountains. It was here where he ignited his love for acting, taking part in school plays and later honing his skills at Western Carolina University. As a shy child, Starkey found that acting offered him an outlet for self-expression he lacked in everyday life, as he explains.
At a tender age, he developed a deep affection for movies, naming “Cool Hand Luke” and “Forrest Gump” among his initial favorites. However, it wasn’t until he watched Paul Thomas Anderson’s 2007 masterpiece, “There Will Be Blood,” as a young adolescent that he truly experienced a turning point. As he puts it, “That movie burst the dam for me. I thought, ‘This is what films are capable of.’
Starkey expresses his expectation that the movie “Queer” might spark a new perspective in its viewers. “This movie is remarkably distinctive and one-of-a-kind, but I wish it could illuminate an unexplored facet of filmmaking for them.
Moving forward, I’m eagerly exploring different opportunities, just like Starkey. As I put it, “I crave diversity and don’t want to be tied down to one project for too long.” Moreover, my collaboration with Luca is lifelong, so we’ll continue to work together until the end of days!
—Ellise Shaffer
Gersh (an agency) is known for its work.
Toby Wallace – ‘The Bikeriders,’ ‘Eden’
Wallace admits there’s something to confess about his role in “The Bikeriders”. When he joined the project to portray the Kid, he hadn’t mastered motorbike riding yet, considering the movie revolves around a Midwestern motorcycle club. He laughs, suggesting he might have given a different account to production. However, he managed to learn eventually. Wallace mentions that he underwent a two-day training course initially, and then participated in the production’s bike training camp for about a month and a half. He explains that they gathered as a team, rode on old Harleys, and explored Cincinnati extensively.
Growing up, Wallace was fond of filmmaking and created action films, horror movies, and stunt-filled videos akin to “Jackass.” In addition, he enrolled in an acting course that caught the attention of a talent executive from a management agency who then presented him with audition opportunities.
Initially, his debut work, titled “Lucky Country,” earned him a nomination for the Best Young Actor at the Australian Film Institute Awards. Subsequently, he was cast in “Underbelly Files: The Man Who Got Away” and continued his career with the popular Australian soap opera, “Neighbours.
Next, he will appear in Ron Howard’s survival thriller “Eden,” which takes place on the Galápagos Islands over a century ago. Wallace remarked, “It’s hard to believe it’s true! Even while we were filming, I found it challenging to accept that all of this actually occurred and that these characters were authentic.
Regarding the essential item he’d carry for survival: a flint, a sleeping bag, and a bottle of Cholula (since he’s fond of hot sauce and uses it on almost everything). However, Wallace humorously leaves it up in the air whether he was joking or being serious about the sauce.
Speaking as a passionate movie enthusiast, there are two directors I’d absolutely love to collaborate with again. The first is Danny Boyle, who gave me the opportunity to portray Steve Jones in “Pistol.” However, my aspirations don’t stop there. I harbor a deep desire to star in a film directed by Wes Anderson, sharing the screen with Adrien Brody. That would be nothing short of a dream come true.
—Jazz Tangcay
Talent Agency: Creative Artists Agency (CAA)
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2024-10-17 23:52