In an industry currently wrestling with the challenges posed by AI and the lingering financial aftermath of the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strikes, the catchphrase "Survive till '25" has taken on significant meaning. These are the times when the members of the 2025 30 Under 30 Hollywood & Entertainment list emerge as the driving force behind a new wave of stories that grace both big and small screens.

Uncovering the Talent of the Next Generation in Hollywood

Acting Breakthroughs and Beyond

Kathryn Newton's acting journey is a remarkable one. At just 15, she landed a role in Paranormal Activity 4, marking her first big break. Since then, she has returned to the horror genre with films like Freaky (2020), Abigail (2023), and Lisa Frankenstein (2024). As she shared with Forbes, "I think horror touches people beyond [what] a romcom does or an action film does, or a fantasy film because horror is real. You don't have to be beautiful and you don't have to be in love to be afraid. And people all know what it's like to be in the dark and get scared." Newton's work this past year brought in an estimated $2 million in earnings, showcasing her talent and the power of the horror genre.This is not an isolated case. Many on the 2025 Hollywood & Entertainment list have achieved significant success through their unique paths. For example, filmmaker Wesley Wang, at the young age of 20, wrote and directed the short film "nothing, except everything" during his senior year of high school. The film went viral, amassing over seven million views, and caught the attention of Darren Aronofsky. In a simple email, Aronofsky wrote, "watched your film. can you drop out of harvard?" This led to a bidding war, and Sony's Tristar Pictures acquired the rights to turn Wang's film into a big screen feature, with Aronofsky set to produce.

Versatility and Multihyphenates

Marcello Hernández, 27, is a first-generation Latino comedian who wears many hats. He writes, produces, and performs stand-up comedy and is currently a castmember on Saturday Night Live. His ability to connect with audiences in various ways is evident, as seen when he showed up at a Sabrina Carpenter concert in character as "Domingo" and earned fans' delight.Nicole Maines, also 27, is another notable multihyphenate. She is the first actor to portray a transgender superhero on TV and went on to write her character's comic book debut for DC Comics in 2021. Her work showcases the diversity and talent within the industry.Thomas Laub, 27, is a three-time Tony Award-winning producer and the founder of his own production company, Runyonland Productions. His achievements in the theater world demonstrate the range of opportunities available for young talent.Ryan Destiny, 29, is a film and television actor who will star in the forthcoming Amazon MGM Studios film "The Fire Inside" and is also an independent music artist. Her ability to excel in multiple fields highlights the diverse skills of the 2025 Hollywood & Entertainment cohort.

Navigating the Industry as Young Talent

The members of the 2025 Hollywood & Entertainment list are acutely aware of the challenges faced by young talent in Tinsel Town. As Nicole Maines noted, "In an industry that values big names and big credits, it can feel impossible to get a start as a young actor." However, they also recognize the advantages. Justin McGriff, 28, vice president of Straight to Cards, said, "My generation (Gen Z) is filled with talented, hardworking individuals who often take non-traditional routes to achieve their goals. Showing that just because something has always been done one way doesn't mean we can't find a better way to do it."These young talents are proving that age is not a barrier to success. They are finding new ways to make and tell stories, using their creativity and determination to carve out a place for themselves in the entertainment industry.This year's list was carefully curated by four expert judges: Courtenay Valenti, Amazon's head of Theatrical and Streaming Film; actor and producer Rob McElhenney; Celeste Yim, a writer and comedian, most recently serving as a supervising writer for Saturday Night Live; and Lexi Underwood, an actor, filmmaker, and alum of the 2024 Forbes 30 Under 30 Hollywood list.For a link to our complete Hollywood & Entertainment list, click here, and for full 30 Under 30 coverage, click here.