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2018 has dawned with the promise of change.
The last couple of months of 2017 were dominated by a tsunami of accounts exposing systemic abuse in Hollywood, and beyond. Powerful men have lost their jobs, as more and more women feel empowered to share their stories. In that context, it feels appropriate to look to the future of the business, to the rising stars who will, hopefully, be spared the experiences of some of their predecessors, and give us memorable performances without fearing what they might have to trade for them.
The three top-grossing films of 2017 — Wonder Woman, Beauty and the Beast, and Star Wars: The Last Jedi — had female leads. So far, 2018 appears to be similarly promising, with exciting projects by women in front of and behind the camera.
And yet, those real-world successes still aren’t translating into gold statues or globes. The 2018 Golden Globes nominations were disappointing for their lack of recognition of women directors, despite several good candidates. (Greta Gerwig? Dee Rees? Patty Jenkins? Anyone? Bueller?) Our hope then, is a new generation who will push for gender parity in the industry, and push women’s stories forward.
Photo: Karwai Tang/WireImage.
Florence Pugh
Remember this name. The 22-year-old breakout star of 2017’s Lady Macbeth will be starring in The Commuter alongside Liam Neeson in January. In September, she’ll be sharing the screen with none other than Cersei Lannister (okay Lena Headey), and Dwayne Johnson in Fighting With My Family.
Photo: Michael Kovac/Getty Images.
Katherine Langford
You may know her as Hannah Baker from 13 Reasons Why, but the Australian native will be adding some movies to her repertoire in 2018. You can catch her in Love, Simon, as the best friend to a teenager deciding how to come out to his friends and family, and in The Misguided.
Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage.
Haley Lu Richardson
After acclaimed turns in Edge of Seventeen and Split in 2016, this 22-year-old from Arizona will star as Louise Brooks in the period drama The Chaperone, and as a waitress intent on revenge in the indie flick Support The Girls.
Photo: Rune Hellestad/Corbis/Getty Images.
Kathryn Newton
You may not realize it, but you saw Kathryn Newton a lot in 2017. After starring in Lady Bird,Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, and Big Little Lies, she’ll be trying her hand at comedy in Blockers, Kay Cannon’s directorial debut about a group of parents who try to foil their daughters’ pact to lose their virginity on prom night. (TV fans can also catch her in PBS’ new adaptation of Little Women.)
Anissa Sutton, founder of Pump It Up Magazine, is a visionary singer, performer, and industry leader. Through her magazine and KPIU RADIO, she empowers individuals in entertainment, lifestyle, and humanitarian fields by offering resources, advice, and a platform for showcasing talent. Discover how Anissa is helping artists and entrepreneurs reach their full potential with the guidance and support they need to succeed
