Kristen Stewart, Charli XCX and others to watch
British director Harry Lighton is expected to come out of the gate strong with his feature debut pillion passengera romantic drama the Guard defined it as follows: “what Fifty Shades of Gray It should have happened.”
Starring Alexander Skarsgård and Harry Melling, the film raises questions about where sexual role-play ends and coercive control begins. Masterfully combining touching, thought-provoking, funny and suggestive scenes, Lighton rewrites the classic love story completely without judgment.
pillion passenger It will be released in Australian cinemas on February 19.
Harris Dickinson
Although it will be published in late 2025, Harris Dickinson’s dramatic start Chestnut, It was published the day after Christmas, It’s gripping enough to draw viewers into the new year.
Actor-turned-writer/director, best known for his roles in the Palme d’Or-winning film Triangle of Sorrow And baby girlcreated a heartbreaking narrative of homelessness and addiction. Featuring a captivating performance from Frank Dillane, Dickinson’s film is extremely raw, with moments of surreal absurdity, and is hopefully the first of many.
You may know her from Babygirl, but Harris Dickinson (right) proved she can direct as well as act with Urchin.Credit:
Sarah Goher
Egyptian-American director Sarah Goher, who won Best International Narrative Feature and the Nora Ephron Award at Tribeca this year. Happy birthday It will make waves with its (yet to be confirmed) release.
He was previously known for producing works such as Marvel’s TV series Moon Knight, Happy birthday It is his directorial debut. It is a coming-of-age drama that explores class discrimination in modern-day Cairo through a child maid who wants her employer’s daughter to have a fun birthday. This is Egypt’s official entry to the 98th Academy Awards.
Akinola Davies Jr.
British-Nigerian filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr.’s debut feature was a hit at Cannes this year, receiving special mention with the Caméra d’Or award and becoming the first Nigerian film in the festival’s official selection.
My Father’s Shadow It follows two brothers and their estranged father during Nigeria’s 1993 elections. Exploring themes of fatherhood and the absence of masculinity, Davies’ film has been praised for its poetic, over-the-top drama while awaiting wider international distribution.
First Cannes, then the world: Akinola Davies Jr.’s My Father’s Shadow will definitely have people talking in 2026.Credit: Sydney Film Festival
actors
Charli XCX
She’s not exactly a new name, but Charli XCX will be putting her acting chops to the test next year. Momentis a semi-documentary-style film about a rising pop star preparing for her first arena tour.
Let’s face it the singer has already appeared in a few titles (Sacrifice, Erupcja and Prime Videos Overcompensation), but this will be her first foray into the lead role, which will be directed by famed music photographer Aiden Zamiri.
Joseph Zada
After breakout television roles Invisible Children And we were liarsJoseph Zada will be attacking a much bigger screen next year. Sunrise in Harvestsixth blockbuster movie The Hunger Games franchise
The 20-year-old Sydney native immediately attracted attention. New Haymitch announcedHe replaces Woody Harrelson. Given the show’s history of turning emerging actors into household names (Jennifer Lawrence), this movie, which hits theaters on November 19, could accelerate Zada’s path to mega-fame.
Joseph Zada is becoming increasingly visible on television, but starring in a Hunger Games movie is of a different order.Credit: Getty Images for Prime Video
Yerin Ha
Unless you’re big Hale I’m a fan, you probably haven’t heard of Korean-Australian actress Yerin Ha. We expect this to change in 2026.
Ha will appear in Shonda Rhimes’ fourth season Bridgerton (The first episode will be released on Netflix on January 29, and the second on February 26). She will take on the role of Sophie Baek, the masked maid who catches the eye of Bridgerton’s second eldest sibling at a masquerade ball.
Yerin Ha had already appeared in The Survivors alongside Charlie Vickers. Bridgerton is next.Credit:
With Bridgerton be one of Netflix most watched programs everThis will be Ha’s most prominent role to date, following her role as Kwan Ha. Haleand roles in smaller productions Bad behavior And survivors.
Jafar Jackson
Whatever your opinions are about Controversial biopic of Michael Jackson is comingwill send its lead star — Jaafar Jackson, the late pop star’s actual nephew — to early stardom. This will be the 29-year-old’s first foray into acting, having so far focused on music (she has just released her first single). You Made Me Sing in 2019).
Michael It will be released in theaters on April 23.
Sophie Wilde
Another emerging Australian name to watch is Sophie Wilde. After impressing talk to me The Philippou brothers’ first feature-length horror movie (2022), the Sydneysider is slated to star in a mind-boggling number of titles next year, including one from Alejandro G. Iñárritu. Digger (also starring Tom Cruise), A24 Halloween thriller Octoberand Ubisoft adaptation Watch dogs.
Sophie Wilde has a very busy year ahead of her. Get ready to see more of him.Credit: Getty Images for AFI
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