// BBC ENTERTAINMENT & ARTS — MODA & SOCIETÀ
Welsh actress follows in footsteps of Florence Pugh and Benedict Cumberbatch in line-up
Leisa Gwenllian says she forgot she applied for the prestigious recognition, thinking she would never get selected
A Welsh actress named in a prestigious line-up that has previously featured the likes of Benedict Cumberbatch and Florence Pugh says the selection was "so unexpected" that she forgot she applied.
Leisa Gwenllian portrays Effi in the Welsh language film Effi o Blaenau, which follows a young woman as she grapples with unemployment in a north Wales town before a night out drinking dramatically alters her life.
She joins a host of Hollywood stars who have previously been part of Stars of Tomorrow, an annual showcase highlighting rising British and Irish acting and filmmaking talent.
Gwenllian said she was proud to receive the honour and that Welsh language cinema was currently "having a moment".
Gwenllian starred in Effi o Blaenau, which follows a young woman as she grapples with unemployment in a north Wales town
Previous actors named in Screen International's talent programme also include Jodie Comer and Paul Mescal.
The film magazine received over 350 applications this year and decided on 10 actors and 10 filmmakers for its 2026 list.
Gwenllian, from Llanrug, Gwynedd, joked that "the pressure is on now" and said the recognition was a "great opportunity" which will open doors for her.
"I've gained a little bit of following in Wales because of this, but what that also means is that I kind of feel like I don't want to let those people down now who are so supportive of me and expect great things," she said.