After facing a challenging period in her career, actor Arden Cho has emerged as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. Once on the verge of leaving acting, she is now celebrated as one of The Associated Press’ Breakthrough Entertainers for 2025. Cho’s resurgence follows her leading role as Rumi in the Netflix animated film KPop Demon Hunters, which has become the platform’s most-streamed movie and features popular songs like “Golden” and “Soda Pop.” Reflecting on her success, Cho describes this moment as her “golden moment.”
Cho’s journey took an unexpected turn three years ago when her first lead role in the Netflix series Partner Track was cut short after just one season. Disappointed, she considered stepping away from the industry. Now, with multiple film projects lined up for 2025, her determination has paid off.
Recognition for Casting Directors
In a groundbreaking move, the Academy Awards will recognize casting directors for the first time in 2026, shining a light on their crucial role in the film industry. Notable casting directors Bernard Telsey and Tiffany Little Canfield, known for their work on the upcoming film adaptation of Wicked, have long been considered the unsung heroes of Hollywood.
Telsey emphasized the importance of casting, stating that it is often an invisible yet vital element of a film’s success. His team operates across various entertainment mediums, from theater to television. He noted that while they face challenges in finding the right actors, the evolution of technology has made the casting process faster and more global.
Young Talent Shines
Another rising star, Owen Cooper, has also been recognized as one of The Associated Press’ Breakthrough Entertainers for 2025. After winning an Emmy for best supporting actor at just 15 years old for his role in the British Netflix drama Adolescence, Cooper has transitioned from aspiring soccer player to promising actor. At 16, he is set to make his film debut in Emerald Fennell‘s adaptation of Wuthering Heights. Cooper expresses a desire to explore various roles and be fearless in his acting pursuits.
In other news, Time magazine is preparing to announce its Person of the Year for 2025, with speculation surrounding potential candidates. Among those considered are tech leaders Jensen Huang of Nvidia, Sam Altman of OpenAI, and even the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, who made history this year as the first American pope.
Remembering a Literary Icon
The literary world mourns the loss of Sophie Kinsella, the beloved British author, who passed away at the age of 55. Kinsella, known for her humorous novels, gained fame with her debut work, The Tennis Party, published under her real name, Madeleine Wickham. Her iconic character, Becky Bloomwood, first appeared in the 2000 novel The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic, establishing her as a staple in contemporary fiction.
Fans remember Kinsella for her other notable works like Can You Keep a Secret? and The Undomestic Goddess, which have continued to resonate with readers worldwide.
New Opera Premieres and Film Festival Updates
Composer Jake Heggie is set to debut his new opera The Judgment of Paris at California’s Festival Napa Valley on July 18, 2025. Inspired by the pivotal 1976 wine tasting that saw California wines best French selections, the opera combines mythological elements with real-life events. Heggie, known for his previous work Dead Man Walking, explores comedy in this one-act, 60-minute performance featuring soprano Danielle De Niese and baritone Quinn Kelsey.
As the entertainment landscape evolves, the Sundance Film Festival has announced an exciting lineup for its final edition in Park City, Utah, set for January 2026. With 90 feature films, including documentaries on figures like Brittney Griner and Nelson Mandela, the festival showcases diverse voices and new talents. Notable attendees include Olivia Wilde, debuting her film The Invite after her previous project Don’t Worry Darling. This year’s lineup features an impressive 40% of films from first-time directors, reflecting a commitment to fresh perspectives within the industry.
With new projects and recognitions on the horizon, 2025 promises to be a significant year for both established and emerging talents in the entertainment world.
