8 New Stars We Loved at the Sundance Film Festival
Lily Collias in Good One
Lily Collias delivered an astonishing performance in the quiet and patient debut feature, Good One, by filmmaker India Donaldson. The film revolves around a teenage girl on a camping trip in the Catskills with her divorced father and his best friend. Collias’s portrayal as the gravity in this intimate film showcases a girl growing up and out of her father’s world and shaping one of her own.
Jay Will in Rob Peace
Jay Will, a 2021 Julliard graduate, shines in the adaptation of Jeff Hobbs’s bestselling book, Rob Peace, directed by Chiwetel Ejiofor. Will’s performance finds a tricky balance between academic brilliance, enormous self-confidence, and a penchant for bad choices, making him a standout new star in the indie firmament.
Izaac Wang in Dìdi
Izaac Wang’s portrayal in the crowd-pleasing film Dìdi, directed by Sean Wang, was a highlight at the Sundance Film Festival. Wang’s natural, low-key magnetism as a Taiwanese American 13-year-old navigating early ’00s Fremont, California, captivated audiences and contributed to the film’s success, winning the Sundance Audience Award.
Callina Liang in Presence
Callina Liang’s performance as a modern-day final girl in Steven Soderbergh’s stripped-down haunted-house thriller, Presence, was a standout at the festival. Liang’s portrayal added depth and tension to the film, which was acquired by Neon and is set for release later this year.
Mia McKenna-Bruce in How to Have Sex
Mia McKenna-Bruce’s portrayal in Molly Manning Walker’s feature debut, How to Have Sex, was lauded for its emotional depth and nuanced performance. McKenna-Bruce’s portrayal of a 16-year-old navigating themes of consent and peer pressure was both riveting and captivating, earning her a nomination for the BAFTA Rising Star Award.
Adria Arjona in Hit Man
Adria Arjona’s performance in the upcoming Netflix film, Hit Man, directed by Richard Linklater, stood out for its entertainment value and charm. Arjona’s portrayal as a wife fighting back against her abusive husband added a delightful touch to the romance/comedy/thriller, making her a new star to watch.
Katy O’Brian in Love Lies Bleeding
Katy O’Brian’s portrayal in Love Lies Bleeding, a love story/horror film by director Rose Glass, showcased her commitment and talent as an actor. O’Brian’s performance as a bodybuilder grappling with the effects of steroids was captivating, setting the stage for the film’s release in March.
Preeti Panigrahi in Girls Will Be Girls
Preeti Panigrahi’s role in Shuchi Talati’s debut feature, Girls Will Be Girls, was a standout at the Sundance Film Festival. Panigrahi’s portrayal of a rule-following student exploring her nascent sexuality with tenderness and vulnerability earned her a special jury prize for acting, making her a new star on the rise.
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