New Faces: Ten Actors Discuss Craft at Newport Beach
Variety presented its 2026 10 Actors to Watch list in a panel discussion focused on character complexity and professional confidence.
By Jonathan Ramirez ·
The entertainment industry often prioritizes established names, but a new group of performers is carving out distinct spaces in current productions. On October 18, Variety convened these ten emerging talents in Newport Beach, California, for a moderated conversation at the Balboa Bay Resort.
The panel featured Jaafar Jackson, Inde Navarrette, Ray Nicholson, Esmé Creed-Miles, Mariana Di Girólamo, Rosalind Eleazar, Guitarricadelafuente, Summer H. Howell, Ruth Madeley, and Joseph Zada. Each actor represented a specific role in a recent film or television series, ranging from musical biographies to historical dramas. The event served as a collaborative effort between Variety and the Newport Beach Film Festival to showcase this specific cohort.
Inde Navarrette addressed the difficulty of portraying Nikki in “Obsession,” a role based on a real person with limited documented details. She described the process as a rare instance of creative freedom. “It was really just my first opportunity where I kind of had the freedom, to a certain extent, to do whatever I could,” she stated. Navarrette noted that audience members, particularly women, frequently connect with the character’s internal conflicts. She views the character’s multiplicity as a reflection of human nature rather than a flaw.
Jaafar Jackson discussed his approach to playing his uncle, Michael Jackson, in the film “Michael.” He aimed to project the experience of a veteran performer rather than a debutant. Jackson focused on mastering the physical presence and adaptability required for the role. “I didn’t want to be seen as a first-time actor,” he explained. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a mental connection to the subject while remaining open to on-set changes. His preparation involved staying within the mindset of Michael Jackson to handle unpredictable moments during filming.
The conversation covered the broader aspects of acting, including the technical skills required for specific roles and the personal growth involved in taking on complex parts. The actors discussed how they prepare for characters that demand different levels of physical and emotional intensity. The session concluded with a look at their current projects and the upcoming awards season.
The ten selected actors are expected to appear prominently in upcoming industry events. Their films, including “Michael,” “Obsession,” and “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,” are currently in circulation or scheduled for release. The panel offered a direct look at the methods these actors use to build their characters from the ground up.
Variety will continue to track the careers of these ten performers throughout the 2026 awards cycle. The list includes a mix of drama, comedy, and musical performances. The Newport Beach Film Festival provided the venue for this year’s edition of the Actors to Watch series.
