The evolution of acting, isn’t strictly linear. It’s an interwoven development of artistic expression, audience desires and technological advancements, designed to flow with us as we grow. From the climb of the silent era, littered with over-the-top performances, to an appreciation of the softness and subtlety of modern performances, a new question emerges. Are actors getting better, or is it just a shifting of our preferred style? Acting approach and methodology continues to expand alongside cultural progressions, technological innovations and the role of an audience in film. But how are we supposed to navigate the industry, when it is constantly changing? Well, like all historical evolutions, we must look into the past, to learn about the future.

THE ERA OF EXPRESSION
Silent films dominated the industry in the early 1920s. Not just because of the technological limitations of its time, but due to the devotion to the ever-present art form, theatre. The mass appeal of visual storytelling, exaggerated physicality and small population of cinema icons, such as Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton cemented a cultural appreciation of bringing creativity and escapism to the public. Acting was seen as a visual language, with the approach being that emotion should be seen and not heard. Performers relied entirely on their expression, gestures and expanded body language to clearly and effectively communicate without words. This unspoken language played upon the influences of theatre, where obvious emotions were necessary to carry the story forward. This made cinema highly accessible, transporting people into worlds unlike their own. It reflected societal issues, through an insightful yet enjoyable lens. Limited technology prohibited creative and artistic freedom, through fixed static cameras, forcing actors to perform within the boundaries of those frames. Camera remained at a distance, constraining expression to be recognisable and amplified. The black and white film colouring emphasised the need for visual clarity and contrast, compelling actors to utilise mannerisms and distinctive archetypal performance looks to explore narratives. Actors used these confines to drive storytelling and creativity, using the heart of performance as its medium. They paved the road for universally expressive and impactful stories, commanding the beginning of the film industry, and bargaining notoriety for being the starring role in the creation of storytelling.

HEARING YOUR VOICE: THE SHIFT TO TALKIES
With apprehension, the ‘talkies’ arrived swiftly in the 1930s, to a much resistant audience. Foreseeing the compromise of the beginning of cinema, actors and filmmakers showed initial hesitation to the change. The introduction of sound completely altered acting, voice now significantly mattered. Actors were compelled to include their theatrical, performative expressions, but now, with an understanding of the restrictions of microphones and spoken delivery. Performances emphasised clarity, diction and naturalistic dialogue, altering the audiences wants for emotion being visual, and not absorbed through language. Vocal training became imperative due to the principles of dialogue delivery; a stiff or bad vocal quality would inhibit actors and restrain their outcome performance. The transition towards vocal realism for actors was finding its feet, fighting against the technical constraints of filmmaking technology. This completely shaped performance styles, discovering a hidden tension between engaging in visual and captivating performances, whilst preserving the correct vocal delivery and hitting the marks of sound controls. The ‘talkie’ era also initiated the blend between genre acting, and actor stylisation. Navigating the experimental and embellished nature of a musical, requiring energetic performances, completely juxtaposed the more grounded, dialogue-driven narratives of drama films. Unearthing the balance between the genres necessitated an understanding from the actors in exploring projected visual emotion and balancing hidden internal storytelling. These initial ideas and methodologies continued to develop artistic acting styles over the decades and would commence the basis of our acting practices in the modern day.

THE RISE OF METHOD ACTING: SHOW DON’T TELL
If audiences preferred theatrical deliveries, then why did method acting arise? Considering the shift from films showcasing visual expression to narratives with emotional intensity and grounding, the implications of method acting were already visible from the beginning. Post-war realism pushed audiences to reflect on the economic and emotional destruction of society, necessitating a depicting of the hard truths and real portrayals of stories with grit and heart. Acting became internal. Psychological and personal memory became key when considering actor delivery and performance aimed to feel lived-in, rather than performative.
This began to blur the lines between actor and character, generating a new appreciation for new method acting performers, such as:

• Marlon Brando, known for A Streetcar Named Desire, (1947).
• Montgomery Clift, known for Red River, (1947) & A Place in the Sun, (1951).
• John Garfield, known for Four Daughters (1938) & Body and Soul (1947).

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These actors fostered a new acting style. Performances became less polished, more spontaneous, with increased use of emotional unpredictability leading to characters feeling more complex and real. Technology mirrored this, letting actors take moments, mumble and change their tone and pace, reflecting this consideration of real, individual people. Facing criticism for the excessive risks, an ongoing debate emerged between the need for technical acting versus emotional exploitation and immersion. This discussion continued further than the era it originated from, with modern conversations around the blurring lines between appearing real and feeling real.

TIME FOR A CLOSE UP
Camera sees everything. This is the sentiment behind modern acting practices, which teaches performers to understand their developing relationship with the camera, and its subsequent manipulation which actors can use to convince an audience of their characters internal dialogue. Film and television shooting techniques incentivise actors to pour their emotional work into a physical, technical understanding. A close-up, rewards micro-expression. Oversized, exaggerated gestures become unnecessary, and often, distracting. Imploring a performative action, without the comprehension of the motivations and intentions behind it, offers a performance that feels ambiguous, yet excessive.
Modern acting sits and often happens in the eyes, not the body. Giving the audience this openness and granting them permission into knowing a character’s internal thoughts deepens their connection from the audience to the performer. Less, really is more, when considering internal camera work. The precision of technique, revealing and limiting honesty through an actor’s gaze reinforces the belief that acting must come from within. In a way, the camera acts as another character, and should be sewn with the same thread of performance that an actor wields. What wasn’t available during the initial beginnings of cinema, is now a widely used tool to showcase character and vulnerability.

GENRE SHAPES STYLE
There is no single acting style. Performances alter and shift to adapt to the tone and rules of the genre. Believability is the only continuing concept between performances, as without believability, actors fail to understand and accurately portray their characters motivations and place within their given world. Subtlety emphasises bringing a sense of naturalism and honesty to the characters. Authenticity produces clear delivery, that feels moment to moment, rather than rehearsed. An audience expects this when watching performances, as it caters to their desires of seeing relatability and truth on screen. In the genre of drama, small expressions and restrained delivery feel most ‘real’, as it aims to mirror the constraints and uses of real life. In others, stylisation shifts to match the narratives, like heightened physicality in comedies, and intense tension in action films. Performances can feel larger but still maintain control and restriction. Each genre creates its own set of rules, of which an actor can use as a guideline when constructing performance. Actors must reflect the tone of the world, and consistency takes precedent as performances must feel like they have lived in the film’s universe. Taking this argument, believability isn’t always maintaining realism, its allowing characterisation and performance to fit within the context of the genre and world. Actors can and do break these subliminal rules to suit their characters internal worlds, which produces more compelling, richly developed profiles that their performances can stem from.

GLOBAL INFLUENCES: GOING BEYOND HOLLYWOOD
Hollywood isn’t the cinema oligarch as it once was. With the rise of the silent cinema business in the 1900s, Hollywood swiftly shot to the top as the leading filmmaking and production innovators. Since then, expanding film markets have opened across the globe, and with it, a new emerging influence is approaching, cross-cultural storytelling. Different regions bring forth their own unique traditions, techniques and tactics. The influence of diverse and local narratives, mixed with the rich history and cultural influences combines a hybrid that explores filmmaking like we have never seen before. These areas transport new technologies that change the way we embark on projects. The expanded definitions of acting instigate a challenge to the audience to subvert their assumptions about what makes ‘good acting’. Global content reaches far wider than the traditional Hollywood distribution, increasingly influencing diversity and engagement with multi-linguistic projects. Styles shift, dominance over particular qualities disintegrates and with streaming at the forefront of global distribution, easy accessibility of cultural stories to a worldwide reach is increasingly prevalent. Global film markets like India, China, France continue to expand their sphere of influence over Hollywood studios by promoting projects which promote cultural inclusivity and local stories. Acting is no longer defined by a single standard. It is the culmination of a dominating shift between finding what’s real and representing what’s truthful. And for actors embarking on their journey now, this provides a promise that every story is worth telling, in its own way.

DOES TECHNOLOGY CHANGE PERFORMANCE?
Modern filmmaking technology has altered the way performance and character is developed. Technologies such as CGI, motion capture and green screen fundamentally change the way actors perform. Actors no longer should comprehend their performance to camera; they must recognise and become immersed in digital worlds that haven’t been created or even imagined yet. Green screen environments mean that actors must work in empty spaces, with no real set or structure to bounce from. Discovering that emotional connection and finding chemistry is innately natural for actors, but when scenes are filmed separately, and actors are unable to interact, there demands good imagination and believability awareness to be able to build that connection and relationship for the audience. Maintaining eyelines, object awareness and character motivations come into play when striving for authenticity, which is needed when the world your character is in, is over-stylised. With advanced technology, comes a balancing act between using imagination, and adaptablitiy. Technology redefines what it requires for actors, now combining traditional technique practices with the influx of new and artificial filming methods, meaning that creatives must consider what the needs of each moment is, and how it should be executed.

AGE OF AUTHENTICITY: BLURRING THE LINES
Our new social currency is relevance. Sharing content, discussing theories becomes the monetisation of importance and social building, and in consequence, becomes the dominating discipline of building authentic relationships with an audience. This begins to shift productions towards catering specifically to audience tastes, which often lean towards relatability and realism. Audiences respond well to realistic characters, that are grounded in naturalism and relatable emotion. In portrayal, this pushes actors to express their character truths, with small, gestured work, micro-expressions and realistic dialogue delivery. This honours emotion, over the technique heavy stylisation that feels ingenuine and fake.
Actors, more than ever, begin intertwining their characters and their actor persona. Developing an actor style becomes the conclusion of social influence over characters, and exploration of personal technique. These lines begin to falter between imagined personality, and real-life facades. With this shift, the continuation of naturalistic, authentic acting remains essential. Leveraging your public image, with the character persona, lends to an authentic system alignment which focuses on true symbiosis between both roles, pushing the audience to recognise this connection. This synergy defines adaptability, relatability and emotional honesty as the true guiding points of performance, dictating current acting trends towards authenticity.

WHERE NEXT?
The way actors work, is constantly changing. The demand for new technology, the rise of AI and assisted production tools require actors to maintain imagination and flexibility when performing. Despite this, the modern audience still craves realism. Over stylised and exaggerating performance are widely criticised online, pushing actors to focus on finding that emotional inner world and exploring interactions through a naturalistic lens. Equally, the increasing demand for representation and inclusion on screen is rampant, with responsibility and nuance being considered as the next iteration of screen culture. This begs the question, does this mean acting in the future, will become more human, or revert back to theatrical? With the journey of acting styles, and the history of cinematic filmmaking, a conscious conclusion would be a hybrid of both. Audiences will continue to consider naturalistic performance as the preferred style, but the intriguing development of technology will always follow. Finding that balance between both, is where the future of acting styles will sit and the industry clearly welcomes this relationship fondly.


THE END: MIRRORING SOCIETY
The film industry has always mirrored the wants and desires of society, and acting styles is no stranger to that wish either. From a non-linear evolution of performance preference, it’s evident that there is no clear best acting style. Each era reflects the communication and creativity of its time, and each path between considers the influence of the world around it. The technological advancements, audience wants and examination of artistic expression will always adapt. Looking towards the future, we must remain eager to see what the future brings, and the continued progression of acting styles, as we evolve with them.

2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest years for film in over a decade. After a few uncertain years for cinema following the pandemic and industry strikes the global film industry is returning in a big way with major studio releases, massive franchises and ambitious original films. For actors this matters more than people might think. Every large film creates a ripple effect of opportunity. Big productions require supporting actors, background performers, stunt teams, voice actors and a huge number of creative professionals across the industry.

For actors training today this year gives a fascinating insight into where the industry is heading and what casting directors are actively looking for.

​The return of blockbuster franchises
Franchise films remain one of the biggest driving forces in cinema. 2026 sees the return of some of the largest franchises in the world including Avengers Doomsday, Spider Man Brand New Day and Dune Part Three. These films dominate the global box office and require enormous casts ranging from A list leads through to character actors and supporting roles.
Large scale franchises often introduce new characters and expand their worlds which creates opportunities for emerging performers. Marvel films in particular have historically launched the careers of many actors by introducing relatively unknown performers to global audiences.

For actors this means versatility is key. Casting directors working on major franchise films often want performers who can handle action, emotional storytelling and large scale visual effects productions.

The rise of epic storytelling
Another trend in 2026 is the return of large scale epic storytelling. Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is one of the most anticipated films of the year and brings an ancient myth to life with a huge ensemble cast and an enormous production scale. The film follows Odysseus and his long journey home after the Trojan War and has already been labelled one of the most ambitious productions in recent years.

Epic films like this require a wide range of actors from warriors and royalty through to villagers and travellers. Productions of this size often involve hundreds of performers both on screen and in background roles. For actors this highlights the importance of strong character work. Even a small role in an epic production must feel authentic and believable.

Science fiction continues to dominate
Science fiction remains one of the strongest genres in modern cinema. Films such as Project Hail Mary and Dune Part Three continue the trend of ambitious sci fi storytelling that blends complex themes with blockbuster spectacle.

Sci fi productions often rely heavily on physical performance and imagination. Actors frequently perform against green screens or motion capture technology which requires a strong sense of focus and creativity. For young actors training today this is an important skill set as many modern productions rely on visual effects.
For actors this means training that develops imagination and physical performance can be incredibly valuable.

Animation and voice acting opportunities
2026 is also a major year for animation with films such as Toy Story 5, Minions 3 and the next Super Mario film arriving in cinemas. Animation remains one of the most stable and successful areas of the industry and voice acting has become a highly respected discipline within the profession.

Voice work requires a very different skill set to screen acting. Performers must convey emotion, character and storytelling entirely through their voice. For actors looking to diversify their careers voice acting can open doors to video games, animation and audio dramas.
Actors who develop strong vocal performance skills often find themselves with a much wider range of opportunities.

The continued popularity of horror
Horror remains one of the most reliable genres in cinema and 2026 continues that trend with films like Scream 7 drawing audiences back to the big screen. The long running franchise continues the Ghostface story while introducing new characters and younger casts.

Horror productions are often where many actors gain early experience. These films frequently cast emerging talent and are known for launching the careers of many performers who later move into larger productions.
For actors this shows that every genre has value. Smaller genre films can often lead to significant career momentum.

Original films still matter
While franchises dominate headlines original films are still an important part of the industry. One example is Digger, an ambitious film starring Tom Cruise which explores a global disaster scenario and is expected to be one of the most ambitious original productions of the year.

Original films allow actors to explore complex characters and stories that are not tied to existing franchises. For many performers these projects provide the opportunity to showcase deeper dramatic work.
Casting directors often look for actors who can bring authenticity and originality to these roles.

A huge year for actors entering the industry

The most important takeaway from the 2026 film slate is simple. When the industry is producing more films there are more opportunities for actors.
Large blockbuster films create thousands of jobs across the industry while smaller productions and streaming projects continue to grow. Even when a production is led by established stars there are still dozens of roles being cast across every department.

For young actors this is an exciting time to be training. Casting directors are always looking for fresh faces who bring authenticity, dedication and strong performance skills.
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At IPM Acting Academy we always remind our actors that success in this industry is about preparation meeting opportunity. The films released this year will inspire the next generation of performers and many of the actors working on tomorrow’s biggest productions are training in classes today.

The future of film is constantly evolving and for actors who are willing to train, develop their craft and stay ready, the opportunities are endless.

​The 98th Academy Awards proved to be a monumental occasion. With Sinners nominated for a record-breaking sixteen awards, the first Irish woman to win a Best Actress award, the first woman and first woman of colour to win an award for Best Cinematography, and the introduction of the Academy Award for Achievement in Casting, it truly was an event to remember. Alongside One Battle After Another (dir. Paul Thomas Anderson) receiving the award for Best Picture, here are some more of last night's winners:




Michael B. Jordan - Actor in a Leading Role (Sinners)


Jordan began his career as a child model in commercials, before landing roles in shows such as The Sopranos and The Wire. After a critic stated Jordan reminded him of a “young Denzel Washington” when reviewing his performance in Fruitvale Station, Michael B. Jordan was named as a breakout star.


With his dual performance as criminal twin brothers Smoke and Stack, Jordan won his first Oscar at last night's ceremony. Similarly known for his performances in the likes of Black Panther and Creed, Jordan acknowledged fellow Black Oscar winners in his acceptance speech:


“I stand here because of the people that came before me. Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, Jamie Foxx, Forest Whitaker, Will Smith. To be amongst those giants, amongst those greats, amongst my ancestors, amongst my guys.”


Other nominees were: Timothée Chalamet (Marty Supreme), Leonardo DiCaprio (One Battle After Another), Ethan Hawke (Blue Moon), and Wagner Moura (The Secret Agent).




Jessie Buckley - Actress in a Leading Role (Hamnet)


As a child, Buckley participated in school productions and acting workshops and later appeared as a contestant on I’d Do Anything (a talent show centred around the search for an unknown actress to play the role of Nancy in the 2009 West End revival of Oliver Twist) on which she came second. She later attended RADA, a prestigious drama school in London.


Portraying Agnes Shakespeare and starring alongside Paul Mescal, Buckley is the first Irish woman to win an award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. Buckley thanked fellow female professionals during her speech:


“Thank you to the incredible women that I stand beside; I am inspired by your art and your heart, and I want to work with every single one of you.”


Casting director and nominee for the new Best Casting award, Nina Gold was the one to cast Buckley in Hamnet. In an interview for The Credits, she said:


“I have always loved Jessie Buckley. I’ve cast her a couple of times before, and I’ve watched every single thing she’s ever done. I’ve gotten to know her quite well over the years. She’s so phenomenal, and everything about her seemed to cry out that she should be Agnes.”


Other nominees were: Rose Byrne (If I Had Legs I'd Kick You), Kate Hudson (Song Sung Blue), Renate Reinsve (Sentimental Value), and Emma Stone (Bugonia).




Sean Penn - Actor in a Supporting Role (One Battle After Another)


At the start of his career, Penn utilised his father’s status as a successful director in order to cement his own place in the film industry as an actor, appearing in episodes of Little House on the Prairie, and creating short films with his childhood friends (including Charlie Sheen, another successful Hollywood actor).


Now a three time Academy Award Winner, Penn was not present for the event, with Kieran Culkin collecting the award on his behalf.


Other nominees were: Benicio Del Toro (One Battle after Another), Jacob Elordi (Frankenstein) Delroy Lindo, (Sinners), and Stellan Skarsgård (Sentimental Value).




Amy Madigan - Actress in a Supporting Role (Weapons)


Madigan took part in school plays as a child, before attending acting school as an adult. She is known for her roles not only in film and television, but also on Broadway- her most notable theatrical role being Stella in A Streetcar Named Desire (in which Alec Baldwin also starred).


With a forty year gap between her other nomination in 1986, Amy Madigan was overjoyed to finally win the award and thanked her family and her colleagues for their support. Her dynamic performance as Aunt Gladys in Weapons, was acclaimed by critics and audiences alike.


Other nominees were: Elle Fanning (Sentimental Value), Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas (Sentimental Value) Wunmi Mosaku (Sinners), and Teyana Taylor (One Battle after Another).




Autumn Durald Arkapaw - Best Cinematography (Sinners)


Arkpaw is the first woman and first woman of colour to receive the award for Best Cinematography in the Academy’s history. Her decision to shoot on 65mm film was groundbreakingly successful, as Sinners features stunning visuals- enhancing the atmospheric ambience of the Southern Gothic vampire horror film.


In her speech she thanks both director Ryan Coogler, and all of the women who helped her along the way:


“I have felt so much love from all the women on this whole campaign and have gotten to meet so many people and I just feel like moments like this happen because of you guys and I want to thank you for that.”




Other nominees were:  Dan Laustsen (Frankenstein), Darius Khondji (Marty Supreme), Michael Bauman (One Battle after Another), and Adolpho Veloso (Train Dreams).




Cassandra Kulukundis - Best Casting (One Battle After Another)


Announced in February 2024, the award for Best Casting is the first new category since 2001. Kulukundis is the first ever recipient of the award and, in her acceptance speech, she highlighted the fight for more recognition of those who work in casting, dedicating her award to all the casting directors who have been gone unnoticed by the Academy for their services over the years:


“I dedicate this to you and to the casting directors who never got a chance to get nominated, who didn’t even get a chance to get their name on the movie. So this is for you guys.”


A proposal for a casting award was rejected back in 1999 but, after the Casting Directors Branch at the Academy was established in 2013, the call for an award was significantly revived. On the announcement of the addition of the casting award, a spokesperson from the academy said:

“Casting directors play an essential role in filmmaking, and as the Academy evolves, we are proud to add casting to the disciplines that we recognize and celebrate.”


Other nominees for the inaugural award were: Nina Gold (Hamnet), Jennifer Venditti (Marty Supreme) Gabriel Domingues (The Secret Agent) Francine Maisle (Sinners).




What’s next?


As a whole, this year’s awards have rewarded outstanding talent and championed diversity and inclusion, with Mediaversity scores of the nominated films in the range of A to C-, an improved score compared to previous years. The unexpected victory of the horror genre, examples of beautiful cinematography and soundtracks, and phenomenal performances made this year’s results really stand out.


With the closing of last night’s ceremony, critics and film buffs have already been speculating about the films that will be nominated next year. Upcoming films such as The Odyssey, Digger, and Dune: Part Three top the list of 2027 Oscars predictions for Best Picture.


The Academy, established in 1928, has developed a loyal following over the decades, and are due to celebrate their centenary in 2028. Following the trend of introducing the casting award, the 100th Academy Awards will include the new Best Stunt Design category- a certain sign that the award ceremony is continuing to recognise the unsung heroes of the film industry.

Mehdi Mangoli starring alongside Pierce Brosnan and Amir El-Masry in Giant (2026)

If the clock struck midnight on the 31st December, and your first thought was ‘this is the year I become an actor’, I understand your desire.

The industry is a complicated place and often comes forth with an aura of uncertainty. If you have no sense of direction, how are you to know which way to go?
Breaking into the industry as an actor may seem like a linear objective, but getting that first job, that first opportunity can feel like a lifetime away.
But what if I told you, that the UK film industry is shifting. Transforming to a place where new talent is emerging, trends are favouring localised productions, and it is now easier than ever to start your acting career.2026 is the best year to take that leap.
And here’s why.

People Like Real People
It is instinctively human to want realness. A real connection. An understanding of genuine personalities. When we see people who are truly themselves, we are drawn to them. We want to get to know them, become friends with them. The industry is starting to want that too. Now, more than ever, casting directors and agents are looking for individuals who showcase their sincere and honest personality. People who can bring their unique perspective to a character or production, are the people who are going to be hired. If we think about it literally, people want to work with people they like.When you go out for an audition or a role, the casting team are not only assessing your talent but alsoyour personality, to see whether you would mesh well with other actors or bring a good energy to set.If you’ve got a unique characteristic, now is the time to harness that, and let that guide you when auditioning.
Sue Odell, casting director for My Brother Is a Mermaid (2019), Bleach (2016), FrenchExchange (2011), states she ‘likes personality’ and ‘thinks it’s important that they seem open’.
Productions want good people to work with, so give them the easy opportunity by showing your rare qualities. Casting directors want real people.
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Be Social – Use the Platforms
Social media is everywhere and it’s very hard to get away from it. What started as a tool for connection and friendship, has slowly turned into a haven for industry experts and talent to engage with each other. Now, I’m definitely not saying you need to gather thousands of followers, but an appreciation and exploration of your personal brand as an actor can do a lot of good, in showing potential casting directors and productions that you take yourself and your career seriously. Consider your profile as a job application, what can people gather about you from your social media? Does it show what sort of roles and opportunities you are seeking? Can you understand your personality and unique perspective? How can you utilise this, to put yourself out for more work? You would be surprised with how much talent scouting, also includes social media. So, make sure your own is in good condition, in case your next opportunity should arise through this instead.

Projects Are Coming to the North
If you’ve seen an influx of new diverse shows and films featuring actors, talent and locations from the north, you haven’t gone crazy. Times are shifting. And the concept of our great capital London being the hub for the industry is slowly becoming an idea of the past. Productions set in the north are thriving. 2025 alone saw an appreciation of Northern talent and locations, with films such as The Choral (2025), featuring substantial northern actors and filming in Saltaire and around Yorkshire, as well as shows such as Adolescence (2025) and House of Guinness (2025) which were filmed and set in the north. Productions are localising, and becoming dedicated to auditioning and telling the stories of local talent. Now, the opportunity to audition for these roles is becoming more and more accessible, with emphasis placed on finding real and local people who can develop these stories. If there was ever time to get into the industry, now would be the chance to show where you’re from, because you never know where projects might be filming next.

Self-tapes, Self-tapes and more Self-tapes.
Pre-lockdown was a different time for casting opportunities. What once was a trip down to an office for an in-person audition, now becomes an at home experience with yourself, a tripod and an often nonchalant friend or parent helping read in for you. The scope for in person experiences is limited now, still there yes, but often much later down the casting process line. Self-tapes give actors the ability to access casting calls, from wherever. 2026 shows a strong leaning towards initial self-tapes to show your talent to casting directors. Its financially smarter, more accessible and easier to produce. The more tapes you do, the more you get seen by people who can cast you in the future.
There is always a downside to every argument, however.
More people going out for castings means that you will be going against more talent that could potentially take the job. For this reason, you must make sure your completely proud and have brought everything you could have for your tape. Give the casting team an easy job by showing how well you can play that character. Let your personality show how well you would fit into the project. Give them any reason to believe that you’re the correct person for the role.

The Shift of the Showreel
A showreel, is a collection of an actor’s work, produced to show an agent or casting director what sort of actor they are like. Previously, longer, more detailed showreels were given as examples of work.Casting favoured seeing the development of a scene and the transformation of character. Due to the implementation of self-tapes being the main casting tool for agents and casting teams, casting directors haven’t got the time to sit and look through 500 8-minute long showreels anymore. They want to see that you can get into character and show range, as quickly as possible. 2026 trends predict the rise of shorter showreels, which prioritise a few short bursts of action and character versus the typical longer scene. Casting teams only watch a few seconds of a showreel, before deciding if the actor would fit within their character brief.This might seem daunting, but it promotes the productivity of showreels and shows the importance of this within casting. With this in mind, actors can use this to their advantage. Instead of needing to create several elaborate showreel scenes, you can just pick your best moments and compile them. This makes creating and refining your showreel, a lot easier. When thinking about your showreel, keep this in mind. And always make sure to put your best work first.

The Genres of 2026
So, what are people actually casting for? If we look towards upcoming releases, and projects still in development, we can see a real need and exploration of high stakes narratives. Actions/adventure films still dominate the box office, with new titles such as Supergirl, Spiderman: Brand New Day andThe Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping all releasing this year, showing a consumer want for epic imagery and driven narratives. Similarly, romance and fantasy continue to become major themes in upcoming films like Reminders of Him, Girls Like Girls and The Odyssey, all featuring romance and fantasy as the driving force of their stories. But what remains consistent in trend, is the craving for character-based stories, and explorative films focused on humanness. This is, especially, where new and emerging talent is showcased. Actors wanting to get into the industry can utilise this when thinking about what skills and talents they can showcase, whether that be through their showreel, self-tapes or auditions. If you know what’s filming, you can figure out how to be a part of it.

Upcoming UK Based Projects for 2026
The British film and television industry is constantly bringing out new stories to tell. Here’s a few projects, for upcoming release in the UK.

•  TOMB RAIDER

Produced for Prime Video, this epic action series features Sophie Turner as Lara Croft with lots of other Hollywood cast such as Jason Isaacs, Celia Imrie and Sigourney Weaver with Fleabag writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge as both writer and directors. If you’re a fan of the games, you’re not going to want to miss this one.

•  MOBLAND (Season 2)

This intense crime drama is back for its next series. Centered on two rival families, the star-studded cast includes Tom Hardy, Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren. Currently filming in East London, the series is set to release later this year, to a much anticipated response.

• CHORK

Written and directed by Shane Meadows, Chork follows two foster siblings who flee to the coast ofEngland, seeking a better life. Set to be released later this year, Chork shows incredible promise in delivering an underrepresented story, grounded in reality.

• RIVALS (Season 2)

Following on from the success of season one, David Tennant returns with his cast of business enemies and romance couples. Aimed to release later this year, Rivals is set to show more of the power struggles of the 1980s business ventures.

• NUMBER 10

Set in the infamous political centre of England, this comedy drama series follows Rafe Spall as the Prime Minister, Katherine Parkinson as his chief of staff, and Jenna Coleman as the deputy chief. The series will be available on Channel Four later this year

• INK

Staring Guy Pearce, Jack O’Connel and Claire Foy, this new upcoming British biographical drama film is set to release later in 2026. Filming took place in the north, featuring locations such as Halifax, York and Hebden Bridge, with Danny Boyle set to direct.

• THE BEATLES

With some of the biggest names attached to the cast, this four-film franchise is described to be the biographical event of the decade. Shooting in Liverpool, and showcasing the upbringing of Yorkshire artists, the Beatles biopic is one of the UK’s most anticipated feature films released.

AI – and The Industries Battle Against It
It is now easier than ever to use AI. It’s on our phones, it’s shown in advertising, its utilised in business. Its present in our every day, even if we don’t see it. The film industry has a troubled relationship with AI. From a business perspective, AI can provide a cheaper alternative to expensive shots. It can generate an image or video in seconds, saving production both time and money, which is invaluable during production shoots. For the creative side, it causes a dilemma of morals: why should we generate when we can produce ourselves?With the invention of Tilly Norwood, an AI generated actress curated to take the place of real actors in projects, its clear the industry is unsure of which lane to pick, and whether there should even be a lane in the first place.
However, I can say, with some confidence, that with the shift to electronic and digital advancements in the screen industry, there will be a greater need for actors and talent to have a greater presence and personality. There will be an emphasis placed on showing unique artists, with real and great perspective. As explained, people want real people. And this is no different for the people we see onscreen as well. Now is the time to understand your unique selling point as an actor and a brand, and start taking your talent and abilities to the next level.
2026 is the time to jumpstart your acting career.
There has never been a better time in the industry than now to put yourself forward. Casting is leaning towards local talent. There is more of an opportunity for real, grounded storytelling. Television and films are seeking the next generation of artists, and you might just be what they are looking for.
The UK industry is shifting. And with current trend predictions, will make the year 2026 a particularly exciting year for television and film alike.

Ntozake Shange once said: “Where there is a woman, there is magic.”
The magic is already in the air as the weekend approaches and International Women’s Day will soon be upon us. It is a time to celebrate the amazing women in our lives and recognise their achievements.
Yorkshire is primarily renowned in film for social realism, highlighting the region’s industrial heritage and working-class life. Its rich culture and distinctive landscapes also lend themselves beautifully to period dramas, another genre Yorkshire productions are known for. From these genres, many incredible actors have emerged.
You have probably heard of names such as Louis Tomlinson, Sir Patrick Stewart, and Jeremy Clarkson. But what about the women? After all, it is their day. So let’s shine a light on a few brilliant actresses you may not have known were from Yorkshire — women who were once simply girls with a dream.


Judi DenchStarting with our beloved Judi Dench, who simply cannot go unnoticed. Known for her versatile stage roles, as well as her work in television and film, she is perhaps most widely recognised for her role in the James Bond series. Over a career spanning more than six decades, Dench has won more than 50 major industry awards, including an Academy Award, a record eight Laurence Olivier Awards, and six BAFTA Film Awards. She has also received four BAFTA TV Awards, two Golden Globes, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and a Tony Award — talk about a success story.
Dench was born in York and grew up in a theatrical family. Both of her brothers wanted to become actors, and her parents took part in amateur dramatics. As a result, much of her childhood was spent around theatres, so it comes as no surprise that the world of performance eventually captured her entirely.
Interestingly, Dench originally wanted to become a set designer, not an actor. However, she quickly pivoted to acting after her first role — as a snail. Yes, a snail. At her prep school, she played a snail in an adaptation of the nursery rhyme Four and Twenty Tailors Went to Kill a Snail. Dench has said she never had a single defining moment when she decided to become an actress — it happened gradually. But if you ever get the opportunity to play a snail? Prep school or not… take the chance.
Her first professional debut was as Ophelia in Hamlet, which launched her extraordinary theatrical career and long relationship with Shakespeare. Dench even titled her book Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent, as many of her roles were drawn from Shakespeare’s plays.
She also received critical acclaim on television, starring in the series A Fine Romance (1981–1984) and As Time Goes By (1992–2005). She later rose to international fame as M in GoldenEye (1995), a role she continued in the James Bond franchise until Spectre (2015).
With a career spanning more than 70 years, Judi Dench remains an inspiration to young actors. Regarded as a national treasure, she is celebrated for portraying strong-willed, authoritative and emotionally complex women. For that reason, she is certainly someone worth celebrating on International Women’s Day. 


Christina PicklesYou probably know Judy Geller, Ross and Monica’s mother from Friends, played by Christina Pickles. But did you know that Pickles — an Emmy nominee — was born in Halifax, Yorkshire?
Like Dench, Pickles came from a theatrical family. Her uncle, Wilfred Pickles, was a famous comedian during the war in England and hosted his own radio programme. Pickles always knew she wanted to be an actress and began pursuing acting from a young age. At just 14 years old, she was studying at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.
It might surprise many people that Pickles is from Yorkshire, as she later moved to New York City in the late 1950s after graduating from RADA to pursue her acting career. She began performing in theatre, appearing in several Broadway productions during the 1960s and 70s, including Sherlock Holmes.
She later transitioned into television, finding roles in daytime soap operas such as Guiding Light and Another World, which helped her become a familiar face to TV audiences. Her breakthrough role came in 1982 as Nurse Helen Rosenthal in the medical drama St. Elsewhere. The show followed the lives of doctors and nurses at a hospital in Boston, and the role earned Pickles five Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress.
Christina Pickles is a reminder that if you truly have a dream and the passion to pursue it, you should go for it. After all, what is the worst that can happen?


Jodie WhittakerJodie Whittaker, the thirteenth Doctor Who, is also from Yorkshire — something that may be more obvious given that she primarily works in British productions.
Whittaker grew up in Skelmanthorpe, where she carefully planned her future career. She took a gap year to travel and work before applying to drama school in London. It clearly paid off — she gained a place at her first-choice drama school, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
Whittaker made history as the first woman to play the Doctor in the long-running series Doctor Who. While other actresses have appeared in spin-offs or special episodes, she was the first woman to headline the main television series.
Her casting sparked mixed reactions. Many fans were excited by the change, welcoming greater representation for women in science fiction and offering young girls a new role model. Others were less enthusiastic, arguing that the Doctor had been male for more than 50 years.
However, Charlotte Moore, BBC Director of Content, responded by saying:
“Making history is what Doctor Who is all about.”
When asked how it felt to become the first female Doctor, Whittaker said:
“It feels completely overwhelming… as a feminist, as a woman, as an actor, as a human… It feels incredible.”
Her words highlight an important point: there are still unspoken expectations placed on women within the film industry. Challenging those expectations helps create new opportunities.
Whittaker herself said she did not want fans to be “scared by [her] gender,” adding:
“This is a really exciting time, and Doctor Who represents everything that’s exciting about change.”
Whittaker is a perfect example of why change is not only positive, but necessary.
She is an inspiration for women pushing boundaries in what has traditionally been a male-dominated industry. Her career has earned her multiple awards, including Best Actress and Best Breakthrough Performance at the 2017 National Film Awards for Adult Life Skills, as well as nominations including a Saturn Award (2019) and a Critics’ Choice Super Award (2022) for her role in Doctor Who.


Candour ProductionsSpeaking of women shaping the industry, let’s take a look at Candour Productions, a female-led, multi-award-winning independent production company based in Leeds, run by Anna Hall.
Candour’s films offer a refreshing take on meaningful stories — warm, compassionate, and full of integrity. The company is passionate about supporting female directors and helping them remain within the industry.
In an industry that can still feel male-dominated, companies like Candour create real opportunities for women working in production — particularly outside London.
Candour has built an impressive reputation over the past decade. In 2023, they won a BAFTA for Best Factual Series for Libby, Are You Home Yet?
Across 28 productions, only three have been directed by men — a statistic that is incredibly rare within the industry.
Candour continues to open doors for women who might otherwise struggle to find opportunities in film production.


Take inspiration from these women. They were once simply girls from Yorkshire with dreams. Through drive, passion and hard work, they have become some of the most recognised women in the industry.
Remember — some dreams are worth fighting for.
You can even begin that journey right here at IPM Acting Academy,  for aspiring actors who want to develop their skills and work towards their dreams.
Happy International Women’s Day!

Starting out as an actor can be overwhelming, especially when faced with the multitude of casting platforms available online. From industry-recognised directories such as Spotlight to open-access services like StarNow and Mandy, the casting landscape is expansive, competitive, and often confusing for first-time actors. Many emerging actors mistakenly believe that signing up for every platform and applying for every role will automatically lead to auditions and opportunities. In reality, casting platforms are not instant pathways to success. Instead, they function as career resources that must be utilised with industry awareness, strategy and professionalism in order to be truly effective.
For beginners, the challenge is not just knowing where to sign up, but understanding when and where a subscription fee is necessary and how to display yourself safely and credibly online. This blog will summarise the key casting platforms available to new actors, explaining who they are best suited for, and will additionally touch on how social media can be used appropriately when professional platforms are not yet accessible. Whether you are studying at drama school or pursuing alternative routes into the industry, understanding how to navigate casting platforms can be vital in shaping the trajectory of your early career.

UNDERSTANDING THE CASTING INDUSTRY

So, what do casting platforms actually do and how can they benefit you?
Casting platforms are digital spaces that simplify and streamline the hiring process for both the actors and the casting directors. Some examples of these services that we will further discuss include Spotlight, Casting Networks, Mandy, Backstage and Star Now. These platforms allow actors to create professional profiles, where they can showcase headshots, showreels and experience. Actors will then receive casting suggestions and can self-tape and submit for these roles, the algorithm increasing the likelihood of relevant matches and higher call-back rates.

How are they useful for casting directors?
These platforms can move the casting process from that of a slow, manual one to a fast and organised one. Directors can instantly filter thousands of actors based on specific criteria including physical attributes, age, location, and specific skills (e.g. accents, dance, martial arts), making it more efficient in finding the right fit. Furthermore, some platforms can provide professional verification and quality control of actors, whilst others allow production teams to collaborate and manage auditions in one place. Ultimately, these services provide a centralised repository for submissions and accelerate the hiring process.

What are the differences between platforms?
Though all platforms have a similar goal, they vary based on eligibility, subscription fees and access. Some services, including Spotlight, have stricter entry requirements, whilst others, including Backstage, are open to all experience levels, making it a perfect site for building credits. Whilst nearly every platform offers a subscription model, these fees could be either mandatory or optional to unlock premium access features. It is important to research platforms to fully understand what is best suited for you as an individual, emerging actor, and to ensure money is appropriately invested. Reading this blog will further your insight into the differences of the platform, hopefully helping you navigate which platforms to explore further.

SPOTLIGHT   
https://www.spotlight.com/

Since 1927, Spotlight has been a trusted service in providing links between talented performers and the world’s most successful agents and casting professionals. It is recognised by the Casting Society (CSA) as an essential resource for UK talent and as a leading online platform. Acclaimed casting directors including Kristina Erdely, (The Brutalist, Love, Death & Robots), emphasise that Spotlight is where they go to find virtually any professional actor, regardless of age or experience level. Their services are strengthened by their partnerships with numerous guilds and associations that ensure their process is safe, ethical and beneficial for all involved.

What is the membership eligibility and costs?
Spotlight requires one featured role with an Equity or equivalent union contract or two professional performance credits to be eligible. Alternatively, you would be eligible if you have completed at least one year of full-time professional performance training (minimum of RQF Level 5 or equivalent) or at least two years of part-time practical performance training. A recommendation from a Spotlight registered agent would also be applicable.  These requirements are to maintain the professional standard, ensuring every member has proven ability or training, significant considering their high-quality industry recognition with the BBC, Netflix and the West-End.
For an 18+ performer standard membership, an annual subscription costs £171.50, whilst a monthly fee is £15.60, these prices can vary if you are a graduate or young performer.

What are the features and benefits?

• Access to industry contacts
• Verified, high-quality casting calls daily
• Agency or self-representation options
• Show-reel and self-tape advice
• Mental health support
• Free access to professional networking events/workshops
• Cinema, gym, apple products discounts

In general, Spotlight is most beneficial for professional and semi-professional actors who are seeking reputable opportunities in Film, TV and Theatre.

CASTING NETWORKS
https://www.castingnetworks.com/

Casting Networks is another leading, widely used platform that builds essential connections between actors and casting directors. They facilitate over a million auditions annually, providing tools for managing roles and security measures to verify and establish credibility. Casting Networks are known for their big success surrounding commercial and print casting, alongside their involvement in industrial and voice-over projects. Whilst they do include film and TV work, it is widely recognised by professionals as the go-to site for commercial bookings.

What is the membership eligibility and costs?
Unlike Spotlight, Casting Networks has no strict eligibility requirements, meaning it is open to performers of varying levels. To effectively use the platform, users are advised to create a profile, which may include photos, a CV, and any supporting videos. Whilst a free account is available, a premium subscription is required to have unlimited submissions for casting calls, to upload unlimited media and to fully utilise the platforms services. This costs £9.99 a month, or £99.90 annually.

What are the features and benefits?

• Reputable in commercial industry
• Connections with agents and managers through Talent Scout feature
• Option to create on the go reels with the IOS app

In general, Casting Networks is beneficial for actors who are looking to expand their portfolio without previous professional credits, specifically in the commercial sector.

BACKSTAGE
https://www.backstage.com/

Originating in the US but now widely used across the world, Backstage is one of the most popular casting platforms, offering a multitude of casting calls, spanning student films to major studio productions. Backstage is trusted by leading brands, including Disney, HBO, Netflix and Amazon Studios, and has completed 534,213 projects across 66 years. Unlike Spotlight, you can browse job listings without a membership, it is only when applying that an account is necessary. Sandra Bullock (Oceans 8, Bird Box, The Proposal), said that ‘every single thing I have today is because I picked up Backstage every Thursday. It’s such a great thing, a tool that still exists for the actor who wants to act to go out and find like minds.’

What is the membership eligibility and costs?
Backstage is designed to be accessible to actors of all levels, meaning there are no strict experience or union requirements to create an account, gearing the platform towards both beginners and professionals. It is however important to have a completed profile, including headshots, CV and an optional show-reel, to make the most out of the provided services. Whilst they do offer free trials and discounts, the Backstage subscription is £14.99 a month, or roughly £84.99 a year.

What are the features and benefits?

• Wide database with thousands of active listings
• Used by indie filmmakers and content creators for emerging projects
• Tools for self-tapes and tracking applications

In general, Backstage is most beneficial for beginner and intermediate actors who are seeking more experience and exposure to the industry.

MANDY
https://www.mandy.com

The Mandy Network began in 2003, and has since worked with brands including Netflix, ITV and HBO, posting hundreds of verified casting calls and production jobs daily. Their services span across acting, singing, crew roles, voiceover work, dancing and music, making it a valuable platform for those with varying creative skills and interests. Whilst it is less reputable then Spotlight and does have unpaid or low paid listings, Mandy is still a great stepping stone for beginner/intermediate actors.

What is the membership eligibility and costs?
Alike to Backstage, Mandy is open to all creative professionals, regardless of experience levels, making it highly ideal for emerging creatives looking to expand their credits. The platform is initially a free resource, allowing users to create profiles, browse job listings and connect with the community without a fee. However, a paid, premium subscription is required for full access, such as unlimited applications, this costing around £130-£150 a year, or around £20 a month.

What are the features and benefits?

• Portfolio space for credits, show-reels, and references
• Verified industry postings
• Access to employer, agents, film and TV show directories
• Career support articles

In general, Mandy is most beneficial for emerging creatives looking to collect strong credits before transitioning to Spotlight once eligible.

STARNOW
https://www.starnow.com/

StarNow is a global casting platform that was founded in 2004, often used by beginners to build experience. It is primarily used for finding entry-level to intermediate work in film, theatre, content creation and modelling, though it does cater to all levels. The service is generally considered legitimate, but users should perform diligence on job offers to avoid scams.

What is the membership eligibility and costs?
There are no strict requirements regarding training or union status to join, however alike to other casting platforms, users must create a professional profile, and specific roles may require age, location, or skill requirements. Whilst their yearly fee normally costs £95, they often promote massive discounts, for example, it is currently available for just £44.95.

What are the features and benefits?

• Unique suitability for aspiring content creators
• Direct communication with casting directors
• Media locker feature where photos/videos, application tracking and personalised job alerts are stored

In general, StarNow is beneficial for beginners or for creatives seeking opportunities tailored to content creation.

Have you ever watched a film and searched it up after to find out all you can only to realise that it was a book first?
Book-to-screen adaptations are arising to screen more and more recently and some of the best films have stemmed from books, ‘Shawshank Redemption’, ‘Lord of the Rings.’ Growing up in the 2010s my favourite films were all books before they were films, Harry Potter, Hunger Games, Little women to name a few. And even now, the newest films I have watched in the past couple of months have all been based on books 'Hamnet', ‘Wuthering Heights’, and ‘The House Maid’. 2026 has many more books lined up for the cinema, the one I’m most looking forward to is The Hunger Games- Sunrise on the Reaping coming November 2026.

These book adaptations not only bring a big audience for the film but also bring a spike in profit for the book and the author. People who have read the book go and watch the film and then people who watch the film go and buy the book. It's a win-win situation. 

In recent years Tiktok has had a massive influence in reading and buying books. Bringing big audiences to many popular books, creating big fan bases even before they get picked up by studios. Making these films into adaptations will get lots of advertisements and big audiences to go and watch the film. This is amazing for new and upcoming actors. The audience is there. You don’t need a shining name to bring in the audience, the title and the author does that already, so casting new actors in these adaptations gives them the opportunity and exposure that will lead onto many more opportunities. 

Alice Oseman's graphic novel Heartstopper, now a Netflix series, brought big opportunities to new actor Joe Locke. Heartstopper was his first on screen performance. Playing Charlie Spring opened him up to many roles on screen and on stage, recently playing Billy Maximoff in Marvel. Just one example of why casting new actors in book adaptations is really important, it gives new faces opportunity and exposure that the bigger actors don’t need. 

Book-to-film adaptations featuring child actors are the best for emerging talent in young actors, franchises like Harry Potter and The chronicles Narnia gave opportunities to the actors in life changing roles, that meant a lot to the fans off the book series, those actors will always have had piece in that franchise and dedicated fans of the series will follow those actors and support them throughout their career. 

Popular books have a fan base, a community of people that have an attachment to the story, the characters, which are transferred to the film production, cast announcements, press tours and so on. Casting an unknown actor allows this actor to enter an existing community that is going to kick start their career and change their lives. 

Book adaptations allow for better performance and character development. The books go into detail, backstory, and character arcs, you can learn a lot about a character through reading the book, it gives the actor playing the role another layer to the character, they have entire chapters from the character point of view and not just the scripts to go from. This gives new upcoming actors a chance to fully immerse themselves in the character giving a truthful performance that will allow them to show off their full potential. 

Other adaptations need to follow from this lead. I believe that Wuthering Heights missed an opportunity for casting new faces for Heathcliff and Cathy. The franchise is already big and doesn't need the big names to bring in the audience. Casting new upcoming actors would have been an opportunity to show off. But it’s not only Wuthering Heights that have casted high end top actors, Colleen Hoover's most recent book to screen adaptations have had many big names, and so did the Housemaid and Hamlet. I understand the fact that at the moment the best films are all coming from books and they still need work, however some books that are massive online should try and cast newer people, opening the door to new talent.
 
Suraj Sharma’s screen debut was in book-adapted film ‘The Life of Pi’, after attending a casting with more than 3000 people, he landed the role of Pi Patel with zero acting experiences, leading to his life changing. Even with an unknown actor the film still won an Academy Award, but gave Suraj an opening door to be discovered. Showing you don’t need big names to make a film successful.  

There is a risk to taking on these big roles with massive fan bases. The pressure to get it right. When a book has thousands of readers, it comes with expectations to get it right, there will be lots of people watching to make sure that the character looks and acts exactly the same as they imagined. Fans will judge whether the actor matches and will be able to pull off what they envisioned. This can be a big responsibility for new actors and this could change how a whole fan base perceives them. 

Harry Potter is a big one of the biggest book-to-screen adaptations, giving many of the cast and crew opportunities to kick start their careers, in the 2000s it was one of the most successful film franchises and probably still is. However with this new HBO series coming to screens next year, there are lots of people thinking it is unnecessary and not enough time has passed for them to reboot it. There is going to be extreme pressure for these young actors to live up to the standard that the Harry Potter fans hold. Will the story be too similar to the films? Or will they stick even more to the books than the originals? There is no doubt that this series will be a huge starting point for all the cast involved expanding their careers and being known to the world. But is it too soon?     

This trend of turning books into films isn't slowing down and probably won’t in years to come. Reece Weatherspoon has a production company where she turns books into screen adaptations, ‘Daisy Jones and The Six’ and ‘Gone Girl’ and will continue with this. Taking Books and turning them into screen adaptations seem to be the way production companies are going into the future.  

Literature has always had a massive impact on screen, with lots of films taking from classics, themes, and characters. I always say the best films come from books. The next best blockbuster film may be sitting on your book shelf, so get ahead of the game, read and stay updated with the reading world. There are thousands of books out there that are waiting to be turned into screen adaptations.     
  ​

The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards highlighted some of the most exciting talent working in film right now and this year saw a particularly powerful moment for Northern actors and the opportunities coming out of Britain’s regions.
At the 79th BAFTA Film Awards in London the winners were announced across acting, directing, film craft and new talent. Among that list were names and stories that will inspire performers based in the North of England and beyond.
One of the biggest talking points of the night was Robert Aramayo winning Best Actor for I Swear which was one of the most talked about performances of the year. He also won the EE Rising Star Award the same night. What makes this moment particularly special for Northern film communities is that Robert grew up in Hull, in East Yorkshire, and trained locally before going on to international work. His success shows that regional beginnings can lead to major recognition on the biggest stages.

His win was a shock to many because he beat global stars who had been favourites to win the award. It was a huge affirmation of his craft and a sign that the BAFTAs are open to recognising raw performance and storytelling that might come from outside the usual Hollywood radar. 

Hull’s Own BAFTA Breaker: Robert Aramayo
Robert Aramayo, born in Kingston Upon Hull in East Yorkshire, did something that had never been done before at the BAFTAs.
He won both the Best Leading Actor award and the Rising Star Award in the same year for his role in the film I Swear.
His journey from performing in Hull Truck Youth Theatre as a child to training at the prestigious Juilliard School, and now achieving top recognition at the BAFTAs, is a powerful example of northern talent rising through sheer passion and relentless craft. Aramayo’s Best Actor win wasn’t just a personal achievement; it was a statement that talent from places outside London and the usual industry hubs can be world-class.
Aramayo’s win is already being talked about as one of the most exciting career moments to come out of the North in years, and it’s shining a light on northern acting roots.

Manchester’s Wunmi Mosaku Shines on the BAFTA Stage
Another northern beacon was Wunmi Mosaku, who grew up in Manchester after moving to the UK as a child. She won Best Supporting Actress at the 2026 BAFTAs for her incredible performance in the film Sinners.
Mosaku’s journey is especially inspiring for anyone from the North who dreams of screen success. Training at RADA after school in Manchester, and then building a career that spans iconic TV shows and gritty films, she has proven that northern actors can take on leading roles and secure major awards on the biggest stages.
Her role in Sinners as Annie, a Hoodoo priestess with emotional depth at the heart of the film’s story, was praised for its complexity and strength. In her acceptance speech she reflected on finding parts of herself and her identity through the character, and credited the director for creating a space where heritage and personal connection could thrive on screen. 
This win resonates not just because she is a superb talent, but because her path mirrors the journeys of so many Northern actors. She started in local theatre and television, trained seriously, then moved into international work and delivered a performance that won one of the most prestigious acting awards in Britain. 

What These Wins Mean for Northern Opportunities
Seeing actors like Aramayo and Mosaku succeed at the BAFTAs matters for so many reasons. These are the kinds of wins that encourage northern creatives to pursue theatre, film and screen work with confidence. For schools, drama groups and grassroots theatres across Yorkshire, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and beyond, this recognition proves that:

• Your origin is an asset not a limitation
• Quality training and creativity flourish outside of London
  Major awards are within reach for talented northern performers

These BAFTA wins are an invitation for agents, casting directors and production companies to look beyond traditional circuits and invest in northern talent.

Opportunities and Growth for Northern Actors
What comes next after the 2026 BAFTA wins? For northern actors and creatives, there are more doors opening:

• Increased interest in regional talent from major casting teams
• Recognition by international press highlighting northern winners
• More confidence for young performers auditioning with belief that BAFTA glory is possible
  
  

Places like Hull, Manchester and other northern cities are now part of the conversation about where leading film talent emerges in the UK.
The 2026 BAFTA wins are more than just trophies. They are proof that northern actors can break through at the highest level and that opportunities in screen acting today are expanding. For anyone from communities across northern England who has ever dreamed of the red carpet or that BAFTA stage, the success of Robert Aramayo and Wunmi Mosaku signals that those dreams are real and reachable.

Let their stories inspire your next audition, your next class or your next creative leap.