In case you haven’t heard, 2025 marks a big year for ELLE UK; it’s our 40th anniversary. To celebrate, ELLE will shine a light on the women who will define the next four decades in film, fashion, culture and social change through a series of power lists, each featuring 40 women.
The first in the series is our Women in Film and Television list in partnership with Bulgari that we launch today. The list below spans established disruptors and emerging game-changers and marks a fresh era on screen, in which a diverse array of women’s stories shine.
The list was chosen by a jury that includes Letitia Wright (actor and producer) Liv Little (writer), Molly Manning Walker (director), Sheila Atim (actor), Anne Mensah (VP at Netflix), Hanna Flint (author) and the ELLE UK team.
Here’s our power list of the women who’ll shape the coming decades in film and television:
Cynthia Erivo
Cynthia Erivo is the woman of now—a bold, multifaceted talent whose powerful voice and captivating performances are redefine the industry. With a Tony Award for The Color Purple and an Academy Award nomination for Harriet, Erivo continues to shine in Wicked and beyond.
‘Making waves globally in Wicked whilst staying true to who she is. A superstar in the making!’- Anne Mensah
(L-R) Mati Diop
This Paris based French-Senegalese film director and actress won the Grand Prix at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival for her feature film debut, Atlantics. Her second feature film, the documentary Dahomey, won the Golden Bear at the 2024 Berlin International Film Festival. The part documentary, part visual poem, follows as some historical artefacts are returned by the French government to their home African nation in Benin.
‘She made history with Atlantics as the first film directed by a Black woman to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. Her documentary Dahomey is a must watch’ – ELLE UK
Ayo Edebiri
Ayo Edebiri is an award-winning actor, writer, producer, director, and comedian, who is a tour de force both in front of and behind the camera. Currently, Edebiri stars in FX’s The Bear, which debuted in 2022 to critical acclaim, earning 13 Emmy nominations and ten wins, including Outstanding Comedy Series. Edebiri made her directorial debut in season three of The Bear and earned a Directors Guild of America Award nomination in the category of Outstanding Directorial Achievement in a Comedy Series. For her masterful portrayal of sous-chef Sydney, she won the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (season one) and was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress (season two). She also received Critics Choice, SAG, and Golden Globe Awards for Best Lead Actress (season two) and was nominated again for season three.
‘Great actress. Excited about what the future holds for her!’ – Letitia Wright
Lucy Pardee
Lucy Pardee is a British casting director that is praised for her unique approach to street casting. She won a BAFTA for Best Casting in 2021 for Rocks and earned another nomination in 2022 for Aftersun. Passionate about discovering new talent, Lucy also fights for better access to drama education in the UK.
‘Lucy has become the go-to expert on street casting. She found the unknown stars of Sarah Gavin’s Rocks, launching the careers of Bukky Bakery and Kosar Ali. She frequently collaborates with Andrea Arnold and recently found the brilliant Nikyia Adams who has been recently nominated for BIFA and Critics Circle awards.’ – Hanna Flint
Andrea Arnold
Andrea Arnold began her career with notable short films like Milk, Dog, and Wasp, the latter earning her an Academy Award in 2005. Her consequent feature films, Red Road, Fish Tank, and American Honey competed at Cannes Film Festival and subsequently won the Jury Prize in 2006, 2009 and 2016. She has also directed episodes for television series Transparent, I Love Dick, and the second season of Big Little Lies. Most recently she finished work on Bird, which was nominated for a BAFTA for Outstanding British Film.
‘A director whose vision is bold, characters are relatable, stories are always compelling’ – Letitia Wright.
Marisa Abela
Marisa Abela rose to prominence with her compelling roles in HBO’s Industry and Sam Taylor-Johnson’s Back to Black. With a distilled depth in her performances, Abela’s nuanced talent earned her a 2025 BAFTA nomination, marking her as one of the industry’s most exciting rising talents.
(L-R) Charlotte Moore
Charlotte Moore is a British television executive who has held significant roles at the BBC. In 2020, she was appointed Chief Content Officer, and since then, Moore has shaped content strategy across BBC channels. She previously held the role of Controller at BBC One and Director of Content, overseeing major programming and content production.
‘At the helm of one of the largest global television stations, Charlotte is well loved by talent and industry alike. A true defender of a very important British institution.’ – Anne Mensah.
Lena Dunham
Since her debut film Tiny Furniture and breakout HBO show Girls we’ve been watching everything this writer, director, actor does on screen (did you know she directed the first episodes of Industry?). This summer she makes a big return to the small screen with her new semi-autobiographical show Too Much set in London staring The White Lotus’ Will Sharpe and Megan Stalter.
Ambika Mod
A rising force in TV and film, Ambika Mod first captured attention with her role in the beloved series One Day, alongside Leo Woodall. This year, she’s one to watch with her highly anticipated projects Black Bag and Sacrifice.
‘Ambika is a rising star in television, having earned thunderous acclaim for her roles in This Is Going To Hurt and One Day. She’s reshaping what it means to be a leading lady.’ – Hanna Flint.
Ruth E. Carter
Ruth E. Carter is an Oscar-winning costume designer renowned for her work in films like Black Panther and Malcolm X. The first Black woman to win the Academy Award for Best Costume Design, she has been a pioneer in using fashion to tell powerful Black stories. Carter’s career has shaped cinematic history through her authentic and culturally rich designs.
‘A costume designer whose work has been incredible. Words can’t describe her level of detail and excellence and she should be celebrated always! – Letitia Wright.
Aimee Lou Wood
After winning all our hearts as loveable Aimee Gibbs in Sex Education which won her a BAFTA, The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art graduate then went on to star in in the 2022 film Living and the 2021 film The Electrical Life of Louis Wain and stage productions, including Cabaret and Uncle Vanya. Along with BBC series Daddy Issues and the upcoming Netflix drama Toxic Town, Wood this month appears as Chelsea in the return of the wildly successful hit HBO series, The White Lotus. Watch out for her upcoming debut screenwriting project, Film Club.
(L-R) Coralie Fargeat
Coralie Fargeat, a French filmmaker, burst onto the scene with Revenge in 2017. Known for her unique, visceral style, she’s recently directed The Sandman and The Substance.
‘The Substance – An incredibly intense watch. Coralie has created a film that offers her interrogation of themes at the forefront of current societal discourse, with a boldness that is often reserved for male creatives. And the broader conversation the film has spurred in its wake is equally charged and fascinating’ – Sheila Atim.
Rashida Seriki
Rashida Seriki is a dynamic writer-director whose work blends bold storytelling with sharp social commentary. Known for her award-winning short film The Fence and the BBC series Maneater, she has also penned episodes for We Are Lady Parts. With her debut feature P Ward in development, Rashida is a new voice to watch in both film and television.
‘A true artist and visionary. Her storytelling is fearless and full of heart, from her award-winning BFI short, her episode on Lady Parts and her upcoming feature. She works with such integrity, never compromising on her vision—exactly the kind of filmmaker the industry needs more of.’ – Liv Little
Jane Featherstone
Jane Featherstone, founder of Sister Pictures, is a prominent TV producer with a legacy of groundbreaking shows like Spooks, Life on Mars, Humans, and Chernobyl. Known for her innovative approach to storytelling, she continues to lead with projects such as The Split and The Power, shaping global TV production.
‘A titan in television, Jane’s vision has led to the productions of renowned series.’ Hanna Flint
Isabella Odoffin
Having set up her own casting company in 2016, her credits include How to Have Sex, Supacell, Anansi Boys, and Blue Story and On Becoming a Guinea Fowl.
‘Isabella has the most extensive knowledge of actors it’s out of this world and I am always so impressed by her work. She works so so hard and it shows.’ – Molly Maning Walker.
Ella Hunt
You’ll recognise this actor from her iconic take of American comedian Gilda Radner in film Saturday Night. With previous appearances in Les Misérables, Lady Chatterley’s Lover and Dickinson, Hunt’s next project is the epic four-part Western film Horizon: An American Saga, created by Kevin Costner.
‘A true comic breakout, this actor is set to soar’ – ELLE UK
(L-R) Lucy Prebble
Lucy Prebble is a British playwright and producer whose work covers theatre and television. Her plays include ENRON, The Effect, and A Very Expensive Poison. As a writer and executive producer of Succession, she earned multiple Primetime Emmy Awards. Prebble is also the creator of I Hate Suzie.
‘Needs no introduction. The Effect and I Hate Suzie are masterful, and of course, her work on Succession speaks for itself. I rewatched Secret Diary of a Call Girl recently, and it’s aged so brilliantly, which we know isn’t always the case.’ – Liv Little
Naomie Harris
An award-winning actor, Naomie Harris is known for versatile roles in films like Moonlight, Skyfall, and 28 Days Later. With a career spanning stage and screen, she seamlessly shifts from action packed roles to emotional dramas, cementing her as a prominent figure in both Hollywood and British cinema.
‘Just a phenomenal actress and producer, a consistent collection of work that will continue to be cemented on her path of legacy’ – Letitia Wright
Jessica Gunning
Jessica Gunning, acclaimed for her chilling portrayal of Martha in Baby Reindeer, rocketed to fame after the show’s Netflix success. A Golden Globe and Emmy winner, she’s known for roles in Trollied, Doctor Who, and The Outlaws, with a talent for complex, gripping characters that leave a lasting impact, far beyond the closing scenes.
Kharmel Cochrane
A name to know in world of casting, Kharmel Cochrane is a standout figure. With an impressive portfolio that crosses film, commercials and music videos. The award-winning casting director’s work includes the Sundance favourite The Witch, Lilting, The Goob. She has worked with directors and brands such as Daniel Wolfe, Frederik Bond, Nike and Mercedes.
‘One of the few women of colour pioneering casting, she’s Robert Eggers go-to casting director, having recently put together the incredible cast of Nosferatu, and worked with Emerald Fennell on Saltburn and the upcoming Wuthering Heights. She champions independent films as well as big studio features.’ – Hanna Flint
Little Simz
ELLE cover star, Little Simz (Simbiatu Ajikawo), is best known for her musical accolades – her 2019 album Grey Area was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize and won Best Album at both the Ivor Novello Awards and the NME Awards with her fourth album, Sometimes I Might Be Introvert (2021) receiving widespread critical acclaim. But she actually started out on screen acting aged nine, appearing in the BBC series Spirit Warriors and E4’s Youngers. More recently she’s stared in Netflix revival drama series Top Boy. This year she curates Meltdown Festival 2025 following stars David Bowie and Patti Smith.
‘Extraordinary actress, musician and Ivor Novello winner. Brilliance in so many fields.’ – Anne Mensah
(L-R) Saoirse Ronan
If there’s an actor known for their all-engrossing performances across a range of roles, it’s Saoirse Ronan. Her career began with a breakthrough in Atonement (2007), later cementing her status with powerful portrayals in Brooklyn and Lady Bird, both of which earned Ronan Academy Award nominations.
‘The Outrun, Blitz – Having acted in both films to high critical acclaim, and produced one, Ronan has achieved an extremely impressive feat within one year. Her intentionality as a filmmaker and her pursuit of intriguing stories continues to inspire’ – Sheila Atim
Polly Hill
Polly Hill, ITV’s Head of Drama, has been at the forefront of creating powerful and impactful stories. Her career highlight, Mr Bates vs the Post Office, captivated millions and sparked real change. Known for her sharp decision-making, Hill’s work includes Trigger Point, Liar, and Quiz. Her approach delves into drama’s emotional power with the pursuit of compelling, real-life narratives.
‘Polly fought to ensure The Post Office Scandal was made and transmitted last year. In doing so she reminded us the impact television can have on a whole nation.’ – Anne Mensah
Angela Patton
If you’re yet to watch Daughters, add it to your Netflix list immediately (it received a standing ovation at Sundance). The activist and film maker founded nonprofit, Girls For A Change, who work diligently to empower young girls of colour to feel seen, heard, and celebrated as they enter into womanhood. In 2012, Patton first gained attention when she gave her ‘A father-daughter dance…in prison’ TED talk which later led to Daughters.
‘Activist and co-director of Daughters – Angela’s work through her non-profit ‘Girls For A Change’ is both admirable and extraordinary. And the film is an incredibly moving documentary – both educative and impactful. It humanises those in the justice system, as well as spreading the message of hope’ – Sheila Atim.
Payal Kapadia
Payal Kapadia is a distinguished Indian filmmaker, known and loved for her bold and evocative work. Her debut feature, A Night of Knowing Nothing, won the Golden Eye Award at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival. In 2024, her fiction debut, All We Know As Light won the prestigious Grand Prix at Cannes.
‘Awarded the Grand Prix at Cannes, ‘All We Imagine As Light’ is a huge achievement for Indian cinema and female-led storytelling. It highlights the lives of women less often spotlighted, with tenderness and a delicate hand. A beautifully touching, natural and poetic film.’ – Sheila Atim
Bella Maclean
From the moment we saw Maclean as Taggie in the adaptation of Cooper’s Rivals we were gripped. The show’s reception proved its success; just six weeks after the first season was released, Disney+ announced a second. Maclean, who grew up in Sussex, graduated from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in 2020, and has since taken on critically acclaimed stage roles in Spring Awakening and London Tide, as well as in the final season of Sex Education.
‘This Rivals breakout is set for big things. She’s electric on screen, the next Florence Pugh’ – ELLE UK
(L-R) Rungano Nyoni
Rungano Nyoni is a Zambian-Welsh filmmaker, screenwriter, and actor. She wrote and directed the award-winning film I Am Not a Witch, which earned her a BAFTA for Outstanding Debut. Known for her unique storytelling, her films often explore themes of identity and culture, challenge norms and spark conversations on social issues.
‘The director of On Becoming A Guinea Fowl, this film moved me so much. It’s raw and funny and such a genuine depiction of the female experience. Such a refreshing film.’ – Molly Manning Walker
‘A director who I believe is one of the most talented directors out there. Her stories – which mostly cover the African Diaspora – style and creativity is unique. A future Oscar winner’ – Letitia Wright
Sarah Simmonds
Sarah Simmonds is a writer and graduate of the Royal Court and Lyric Hammersmith’s programmes. With credits including Killing Eve and The Irregulars, she has multiple original TV projects in development, such as Sweetpea and My Name is Panda, showcasing her distinct voice in drama and comedy.
‘One of the sharpest, most brilliant writers I’ve worked with. I met her in a writers’ room, and her insight, wit and generosity made us instant friends. She’s a champion of queer storytelling and the projects she has in development sound SO good.’ – Liv Little
Ronkẹ Adékoluẹjo
Ronke was nominated for a RTS (Royal Television Society) award for her performance in HBO/BBC’s Rain Dogs. She will soon be seen as the lead in Dreamers which just premiered at Berlinale. She has recently been seen leading at The National Theatre in The Importance Of Being Earnest as ‘Gwendolen Fairfax’ opposite Sharon D Clarke, Ncuti Gatwa.
‘She lit up The Importance of Being Earnest, stealing every scene with effortless charm and depth. I look forward to more from her!’ – Liv Little
Harpa Manku
Harpa Manku is an Executive Producer at A24 UK, where she has been instrumental in helping to build an exciting and ambitious slate of television projects. As one of A24 UK’s early hires, she has played a key role in establishing the company’s presence in the British TV landscape. Prior to A24, she worked at Heyday Television and Left Bank Pictures.
‘A Executive Producer at A24 and she is so creative and kind and energised and people like her give me hope that the film industry is in safe hands.’ Molly Manning Walker
Jasmine Jobson
Best known for portraying Jaq in Netflix’s Top Boy, which resulted in her 2024 BAFTA win for Best Supporting Actress. Jobson has also starred in ITVX’s Platform 7 and this year’s BAFTA nominated film Bird (directed by Andrea Arnold). Next, she will star in a new Guy Ritchie untitled project, then In The Shadows, a biopic about British-Somali boxer Ramla Ali, and Hamlet alongside Riz Ahmed directed by Aneil Karia.
‘Electric of screen, this is one of Britain’s most watchable young actors. We can’t wait to see all she does next.’ – ELLE UK
(L-R) Vic Carmen Sonne
Vic Carmen Sonne is a Danish actor who is best known for her roles in Winter Brothers, Holiday, Godland, and The Girl with the Needle. With a career spanning since 2011, she has earned multiple awards, including two Bodil Awards and two Robert Awards.
‘Her performance in the girl with a needle is so amazing’ – Molly Manning Walker
Vicky Featherstone
A seasoned and prominent British theatre director, Vicky Featherstone currently serves as the artistic director of London’s Royal Court Theatre. She was the founding artistic director of the National Theatre of Scotland and has previously led the UK’s Paines Plough theatre company. Throughout her career, Featherstone has championed new writing and innovative theatre.
‘A true game-changer. Her impact at the Royal Court reshaped theatre, opening doors for radical storytelling. And as she enters the next stage of her career I can’t wait to see what comes next…’ – Liv Little
Agniia Galdanova
Agniia Galdanova is a Russian filmmaker known for her poignant documentary Queendom, which explores the life of a queer performer navigating drag and activism in Russia. Her work delves into themes of identity, resistance, and societal rejection, in which she captures raw, emotional moments that challenge cultural and political norms.
‘Director of Queendom I thought it was just such a brave powerful piece of filmmaking. Sadly a piece that is needed all over the world for the freedom of queerness.’ – Molly Manning Walker
Georgi Banks-Davies
Georgi Banks-Davies is a BAFTA-winning director whose career spans television, film, and commercials. She made her mark with I Hate Suzie for Sky Atlantic and directed Paper Girls for Amazon. Known for her distinctive storytelling, her recent and currently work includes Kaos for Netflix and The Night Manager 2.
‘A groundbreaking director with a knack for creating atmosphere and cultivating tension. The intimacy of I Hate Suzie and the sheer ambition of Kaos make her one of the most exciting visual storytellers out there? I’m a fan!’ – Liv Little
Nicola Coughlan
When Nicola Coughlan brought to life Clare in Derry Girls and Penelope Featherington/Lady Whistledown in Bridgerton (watched by 82 million households worldwide), she carved a niche in both comedy and drama. Rising to global fame, she advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and speaks out on social issues and was listed among Time 100’s Next Generation Leaders.
‘This ELLE cover star can make us laugh and weep within a single short on screen scene. A true force of film and TV.’ – ELLE UK
(L-R) Polly Morgan
A trailblazing British cinematographer, Polly Morgan made history as the youngest and only female member of both the American Society of Cinematographers and British Society of Cinematographers. Her striking work includes A Quiet Place Part II, Where the Crawdads Sing and Back To Black, blending naturalism with cinematic artistry.
Polly is one of the few well-known cinematographers working today, she recently worked on Gina Prince-Bythewood’s The Woman King, Back to Black and A Quiet Place II. She’s a DoP for gender equality, working with female and male filmmakers in equal breath. – Hanna Flint
Tamara Lawrance
Tamara Lawrance is a dynamic talent, known for her standout roles in The Silent Twins and The Long Song. In 2023, she takes the lead as Millie-Jean Black in the thrilling crime drama Get Millie Black. Her performances continue to challenge norms, offering depth and vulnerability in every role.
‘A star on the rise, one of the UK’s best young actresses, one to watch closely’ – Letitia Wright
Sally El-Hosaini
Sally El-Hosaini is a Welsh-Egyptian director and screenwriter. Her debut feature, My Brother the Devil, and The Swimmers garnered multiple awards, including Best Director at the 2023 BAFTA Cymru Awards. El-Hosaini’s films explore social issues, which have seen her earn recognition among international festivals and with critics.
‘A leading voice for Arab and Muslim representation in the UK.’ – Hanna Flint
Zoë Kravitz
Zoë Kravitz is a multi-faceted actor, producer, and filmmaker. Lauded for her role in Big Little Lies and as Catwoman in The Batman, Kravitz’s deepened her impact into the industry in 2024 when she made her directorial debut with Blink Twice, showcasing her distinctive approach to visual storytelling and unique sound design, solidifying her position as a dynamic force within the industry.
‘Blink Twice – an ambitious, unsettling and visually captivating debut film. Kravitz has made an impressive leap into directing and has generated much anticipation for her future endeavours. The film tackles a subject that is extremely pertinent to the time and does so bravely with a keen eye for the filmmaking craft’ – Sheila Atim
The Jury
Letitia Wright
(L-R) Sheila Atim
A powerhouse actor, singer, composer and playwright, Sheila Atim can do it all. A two-time Laurence Olivier Awards winner for her roles in Girl from the North Country and Constellations, to starring in The Woman King, her talent knows no bounds.
Liv Little
A true force in the industry, Liv Little is best known for her work as a producer and writer of the acclaimed Rosewater, as well as for founding Gal-Dem. A champion of underrepresented voices, she’s always at the forefront of thought-provoking content that’s reshaping the media landscape.
Molly Manning Walker
Molly Manning Walker is a writer, director, and cinematographer best known for her debut feature How to Have Sex, which won the Un Certain Regard award at Cannes 2023, her electrifying drama explores consent and toxic masculinity. An advocate for women in film, she founded Babe City FC, a football club and support network for women and non-binary filmmakers.
Hanna Flint
Hanna Flint is a film critic, writer, and author of Strong Female Character, a memoir exploring the intersection of cinema and personal identity. With over a decade of experience in film criticism, she’s a passionate advocate for diverse representation, focusing on how films shape our understanding of life, womanhood, and culture.
Anne Mensah
Anne Mensah is Netflix’s U.K. VP of Content, overseeing scripted, unscripted, film, and acquisitions. A key figure behind some of Netflix’s biggest U.K. hits like Heartstopper, One Day, and Fool Me Once. Mensah has been instrumental in shaping Netflix’s U.K. slate since 2019.
Picture Credits: Getty
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