Since its inception in 1998, the British Impartial Movie Awards (BIFAs) have emerged as a vital platform for recognizing both emerging talent and established artists in the film industry. Serving as a precursor to major awards like the BAFTAs, the BIFAs have highlighted fresh talent early in their careers. The prestigious BIFAs Breakthrough Performance Award, which was previously known as the Most Promising Newcomer award, acknowledges individuals who are poised for significant success in the film industry. This accolade has a storied history of celebrating a few of the most remarkable stars in cinema today.

Notable past recipients of this award include Jamie Bell and Ben Whishaw, who gained recognition over two decades ago. Since then, many others such as Dev Patel, Naomi Ackie, and Jessie Buckley have also received this honor. While some, like Emily Blunt, John Boyega, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Mia Goth, have only received nominations, their presence in the industry is undeniably impactful. The list of nominees showcases a remarkable collection of talent, each demonstrating the potential to become household names in the film world.

The excitement surrounding this year’s nominees is palpable as they anticipate their future in the industry. In an exclusive conversation with Variety prior to the awards ceremony scheduled for December 8, Nykiya Adams (from “Fowl”), Susan Chardy (“On Becoming a Guinea Fowl”), Ruaridh Mollica (“Sebastian”), Saura Lightfoot-Leon (“Horde”), and Jason Patel (“Unicorns”) opened up about their journeys. They candidly discussed their initial struggles, first-time experiences at film festivals, upcoming projects, and the pivotal moments that shaped their careers in the film industry.

Discover the Journey of Nykiya Adams in “Fowl”

When renowned casting director Lucy Pardee visited Nykiya Adams’ school in London, she was on a mission to find a talented teenager to embody the pivotal role of Bailey in Andrea Arnold’s acclaimed drama “Fowl.” Initially, Pardee directed her attention towards Adams’ older sister, who had been a passionate actress. However, due to her age, the casting focus shifted to Nykiya, who was only 12 years old at the time but now stands as a promising 14-year-old talent. This unexpected turn of events opened the door for Adams to step into the spotlight.

“Fowl,” marking Nykiya’s debut acting role, took her all the way to the Cannes Film Festival this year, where the film was featured in the main competition. Experiencing the red carpet felt surreal for Adams, who described it as a “pinch me” moment, believing she was in a dream. During her first viewing of the film on the big screen, she was so nervous that she covered her eyes, although she eventually grew accustomed to the experience. This remarkable journey has shaped her into an emerging star in the industry.

Following her exhilarating experience at Cannes, Nykiya was eager to return to school and share her adventures with her friends. She expressed her excitement about how her best friend has been incredibly supportive, remaining humble while celebrating her achievement, while other friends were enthusiastic, exclaiming, “You’re in a movie!” This supportive network has undoubtedly fueled Adams’ passion and ambition for her budding career in acting.

Looking to the future, Adams aspires to balance her dual passions for acting and sports, both of which are integral parts of her life. With her agent actively seeking more roles for her, she is optimistic about what lies ahead. Adams expressed a desire to work with Rapman in a future project, hoping to star alongside Ashley Walters, which reflects her ambition to collaborate with esteemed filmmakers and actors as she carves out her path in the film industry.

Explore Susan Chardy’s Remarkable Transition to Acting

Susan Chardy’s path to acting is a testament to the idea that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. Having previously established a flourishing career as a model and entrepreneur, Chardy has always harbored a passion for acting that dates back to her childhood. Despite earlier attempts to break into the industry, including a near miss with a role in an HBO series directed by the acclaimed Steve McQueen, it took her nearly a decade to finally seize the opportunity. “He wanted to see me, and I was so close to landing that role,” reflects Chardy, who was born in Zambia and raised in the U.K. “It was a significant moment for me because it challenged my feelings of imposter syndrome; if someone as talented as Steve McQueen sees potential in you, it’s crucial to listen to that inner voice.”

A decade later, her dream has finally come to fruition in the most extraordinary way imaginable. Chardy is now leading the cast in “On Becoming a Guinea Fowl,” the highly anticipated second feature from Zambian/Welsh filmmaker Rungano Nyoni, which was both set and filmed in Zambia. The film premiered at Cannes, where it garnered rave reviews and became one of the most talked-about entries at the festival, highlighting Chardy’s incredible talent.

“Honestly, if anyone had told me I would be starring in a Zambian film in my mother tongue that would premiere at Cannes, I don’t think I would have believed it,” Chardy shares. She brought her entire family along to the South of France for the festival, including her ex-tennis pro husband and her four-year-old son, making it a memorable family experience.

One standout moment from the film features Chardy in a car, wearing a dazzling sci-fi headpiece that left her son bewildered. “He thought mummy was a superhero. So I told him, well, mummy is a superhero, just a different kind,” she laughs, showcasing her ability to blend her professional and personal lives. A framed black-and-white print of this captivating scene now adorns one of Chardy’s walls at home, a constant reminder of her remarkable journey.

Discover Ruaridh Mollica’s Rise to Fame in “Sebastian”

Ruaridh Mollica’s journey into the spotlight began unexpectedly at the Sundance Film Festival, where he starred in “Sebastian,” his first lead role in a feature film. Initially, Mollica did not anticipate the magnitude of the festival experience. “It was a whirlwind. We arrived and suddenly people recognized you from the festival brochures; it felt surreal, like being in a bubble of creatives,” he recalls, highlighting the unique atmosphere of the festival.

“Sebastian” is a thought-provoking queer drama in which Mollica portrays a writer leading a double life as a sex worker. The film quickly garnered significant buzz at the festival, positioning Mollica as a rising talent. Interestingly, this opportunity almost slipped away as he had nearly abandoned his acting aspirations. After deciding to quit and focus on a computer science degree, he received a last-minute audition offer for a Scottish short film, which reignited his passion for acting. Following this, he appeared in the BBC drama “Red Rose,” solidifying his return to the industry.

Reflecting on his decision to pursue acting again, Mollica shares, “It makes you think about the powers of fate. In those moments of doubt, when you’re about to give up, something tells you to keep going.” His persistence paid off when, after Sundance, he was invited to Los Angeles to meet with casting directors, producers, and studios, ultimately signing with an agency that recognizes his talent.

Since then, Mollica’s career has flourished. He recently appeared in Armando Iannucci and Sam Mendes’ superhero satire series “The Franchise,” and he has exciting upcoming roles, including in Stephen Graham’s Apple TV+ series “A Thousand Blows” and a Channel 4 series titled “Summer Water.” On the film front, he is set to star in “Sukkwan Island,” alongside a talented cast, showcasing his versatility and range as an actor.

Uncover Saura Lightfoot-Leon’s Unique Approach in “Hoard”

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