BAFTA today announces that applications are now open for its flagship talent initiative, BAFTA Breakthrough UK, supported by Netflix. Now in its 12th year, BAFTA Breakthrough UK is the arts charity’s premier programme dedicated to spotlighting and supporting outstanding emerging talent in film, games, and television.
The initiative plays a central role in BAFTA’s year-round work to nurture and develop creative talent, offering unique access to career development opportunities and building connections across the industry. BAFTA is committed to removing barriers to entry and progression in the screen industries through a wide range of learning events, mentoring schemes and initiatives like Breakthrough.
2025 marks the sixth year of Netflix’s partnership with the programme, and they have confirmed their support for a further three years. BAFTA and Netflix share a common goal: to celebrate emerging talent and invest in the next generation of screen creatives in the UK.
Jane Millichip, CEO of BAFTA, said: “Breakthrough UK is at the heart of BAFTA’s mission to champion creative talent and open doors in the screen industries. The programme is about more than recognition – it’s about building lasting careers and connections. We’re proud to continue this vital work in partnership with Netflix, whose long-standing support and shared commitment to investing in the next generation of UK creatives help make Breakthrough possible.”
Anne Mensah, Vice President Content, Netflix UK, said: “We’re proud to continue supporting BAFTA Breakthrough as it helps the next generation of storytellers take that vital next step in their careers. It’s been inspiring to see how this programme opens doors for emerging talent and provides them with the tools, connections and confidence to thrive across film, TV and games.”
The programme continues to be championed by leading figures across the industry and its alumni network, including actor, video game developer and recent BAFTA Award-winner Abubakar Salim.
Abubakar Salim, said: “The Breakthrough programme transformed my career. It not only elevated how others—artists and professionals alike—saw me, but it also ignited a fire within to keep going through the toughest times. The people I’ve met during and since have been nothing short of extraordinary.”
As an incubator for the industry’s future change-makers, BAFTA Breakthrough nurtures and encourages peer-to-peer network building. The programme also taps into BAFTA’s unique global academy of 12,500 creatives through curating a host of one-to-one meetings with established practitioners. Over 1,500 meetings for Breakthroughs have been set up to-date. These have included Lena Dunham, Jesse Armstrong, Russel T Davies, Jack Thorne, Craig Mazin, Louis Theroux, Amma Asante, Shane Meadows, Cillian Murphy, Paul Rudd, Emma Thompson, Danny Boyle, Paul Greengrass, and Martin McDonagh among many others.
BAFTA Breakthrough today counts 290 people among its alumni, including Ambika Mod, Bella Ramsey, Jack Rooke, Adjani Salmon, Raine Allen-Miller, Samantha Béart, Abubakar Salim, Rose Ayling-Ellis, George Robinson, Rina Yang, Paapa Essiedu, Josh O’Connor, Jessie Buckley, Vivian Oparah and Letitia Wright. Many go on to build very successful careers in film, TV and games that achieve national and international industry acclaim, including BAFTA nominations and wins.
