10 Actors Who Broke Out Big In 2024

The year that’s (almost) gone by hasn’t been a great one for the film industry, both in India and abroad, or that’s what insiders have been saying all along. Big ticket movies have tanked at the box office and the mightiest of stars have failed to rake in the moolah. Let’s not get into names, but we all know when and how these stars delivered absolute duds, making 2024 a remarkably bad year for movies and those who make them.

But not all was lost, for sure. 2024 certainly popped many remarkable performances, particularly from newer, relatively unknown actors who shone bright with their talent. These are the ‘stars’ we should be celebrating, for in their novice-like hands, rests the future of the film industry.

Some of them got a shot in big-budget bonanzas and the others were part of indie-like projects. Regardless, all of them stood out for their performances that nary had a wrong note. If you haven’t watched their work yet, the year-end holidays might be a great time to enjoy some of the finest performances of the year.

For now, here are 10 actors who established themselves as stars of the future, in 2024:

Margaret Qualley - The Substance

It’s hard to describe The Substance - it’s a body-horror satire, yes, and had some of the most gruesome yet compelling visuals of the year.

But the movie is actually a kind of warning-call for our society’s unending obsession with youth, and Demi Moore definitely gave the performance of her career in it. But it’s Margaret Qualley's performance that holds the film on the other end, matching Moore’s act, pitch by pitch. She’s self-assured and doesn’t skip a beat!

Harris Dickinson - Babygirl

In what’s definitely one of the most talked about movies of the year - it is an erotic thriller, after all - Harris Dickinson has but naturally stood out as an actor to watch out for.

What makes it truly remarkable is that the film stars Nicole Kidman who is beyond fabulous in her part. You might go into Babygirl hoping to watch steamy scenes, but you’ll come out of the movie shaken and stirred, and the right kind of it.

Abhay Verma - Munjya

There are countless actors who’ve catapulted themselves to stardom by playing boy-next-door parts, Shahid Kapoor being somewhat of a benchmark with Ishq Vishk.

But what makes Abhay Verma stand apart from other such roles is a certain naturally-convincing ability - you completely believe that he is that person, even in real life. He’s the right amount of vulnerable, innocent and awkward. It’ll be interesting to see what he does next! 

Raghav Juyal - Kill

When was the last time that a Hindi film had you almost-rooting for an antagonist? If you weren’t rooting for him, you were certainly hating his character.

Either way, it’s Raghav Juyal’s exemplary performance that left a lasting impression, in a film that was, to be fair, heavily tilted towards favouring its lead. In Kill, Juyal gets an interesting part and he makes quite a delicious meal out of it!

Ranveer Brar - The Buckingham Murders

A chef who acts well? That alone is a first.

When Ranveer Brar wasn’t cooking up a storm, he must’ve been busy taking acting lessons somewhere, because what else explains his phenomenal performance in one of the year’s most underrated films, The Buckingham Murders? Brar plays a highly dislikable character and plays it with absolute perfection. There are few actors who shine when sharing screen with Kareena Kapoor Khan, but he manages just fine.

Sparsh Shrivastava - Laapataa Ladies

If there’s an award for the most unconventional lead ‘hero’, someone ought to give it to Sparsh Shrivastava’s Deepak Kumar. There’s nothing ‘macho’ about him - he’s silly, shy and sombre.

In another film, you would’ve dismissed him as a mere loser, and had a laugh or two at his expense. But Shrivastava’s delightful performance makes you care for his part instead; when you laugh, it’s never at him.

Pratibha Ranta - Laapataa Ladies

Of the two women in Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies, Pratibha Ranta had the more showy part. Her character gets to take on patriarchy and come out winning.

That alone can be an unfair advantage - the audiences are bound to focus on the other, more submissive character instead. But it’s to Ranta’s credit, that she manages to make you look beyond any and all biases and take note of her craft and calibre. A talent to watch out for!

Maika Monroe - Longlegs

To be fair, Maika Monroe has had quite a few successful projects already. But there’s something about her performance in Longlegs that really made everyone sit up and take notice of her talent.

Horror films rarely allow actors to make a mark for their talent - amidst all the screams and scares, one tends to overlook the performances. Which is why, Monroe deserves to be lauded for not letting that happen.

Drew Starkey - Queer

When you’re getting to play Daniel Craig’s ‘love’ interest in a Luca Guadignino film, you better make the most of the opportunity.

Fortunately, Drew Starkey does just that in Queer, and it’s a delight to watch the young actor do it. Having come a long way from his days of playing a troubled teenager in Outer Banks, Starkey is impressively confident and charismatic, never letting Craig outshine him in any way.

Naomi Ackie - Blink Twice

Zoe Kravitz’s directorial debut is certainly not everyone’s cup of tea. It’s uncomfortable to watch, even though you can’t take your eyes off the screen.

But irrespective of what you may have thought of the movie - I, for one, wasn’t too impressed - you’d definitely agree that Naomi Ackie’s performance is what lifts the film, even when it’s starting to drag. It’s a tough role and Ackie absolutely nails it through and through.