Hollywood’s class of 2025: Stars who ruled the year

Among the rapidly changing landscape of Hollywood, the industry saw several stars crowned the year’s biggest players — old and new.

While the debate around box office success soared, actors who participated in moderate hits also broke even ground.

From emerging talent to veteran streak, let’s explore Hollywood’s class of 2025.

Tom Cruise

It might have been unimaginable to consider that Tom Cruise could cement his star power even further, but in 2025, the actor broke his own records through the widespread success of Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning — the final chapter of the popular action saga — and went on to receive an Oscar, his first, albeit honourary.

Brad Pitt

Cruise’s fellow stalwart and old co-star, Brad Pitt also remained in the headlines this year, thanks to a leading turn in the sports drama F1 and his ongoing relationship with jewellery designer Ines de Ramon.

Chase Infiniti

Breaking onto the Hollywood scene with one of the loudest bangs of the year, the uniquely named Chase Infiniti debuted in 2025 with Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another, recently earning a Golden Globe nod in the lead actress category.

Leonard DiCaprio

Infiniti’s onscreen dad and certified film icon, Leonardo DiCaprio also returned to the mainstream in the Paul Thomas Anderson directorial. The 51-year-old star secured a Golden Globe nomination for his leading turn as well, while being named Time’s Entertainer of the Year for 2025.

Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence returned to acting this year in Lynne Ramsay’s Die My Love, opposite Robert Pattinson. The actress who welcomed her baby, another son, earlier this year, lit up the 2025 Cannes Film Festival at her new film’s premiere and has remained in the spotlight ever since.

Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan had one of the most substantial years of his career to date in 2025, with the box office smash hit Sinners taking him far into Hollywood’s limelight, earning him the American Cinematheque honour for his impressive contributions to cinema.

Jacob Elordi

The Australian actor, long known for his performance as Nate Jacobs in Euphoria, Jacob Elordi earned plaudits like never before for his astounding turn as Frankenstein’s creature in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein. For his fierce, yet heartfelt, portrayal of the “monster”, Elordi recently earned a Golden Globe nomination in the supporting category — his first nod for a major acting award.

Jonathan Bailey

The Bridergton breakout enjoyed a mighty generous 2025 for starring in the year’s two blockbuster releases — Jurassic World Rebirth and Wicked: For Good — becoming even more prominent after being named PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive.

Damson Idris

British actor Damson Idris made his mark alongside Brad Pitt in F1, released over the summer in June. The 34-year-old rising star’s dreamy appearance on the Amelia Dimoldenberg-hosted Chicken Shop Date was just one of the factors which kept him in headlines, earning him the tag of the “internet boyfriend”.

Emma Stone

The current holder of the Academy Award for Best Actress, Emma Stone enjoyed further glory by starring in two releases in 2025 — Ari Aster’s Eddington and Yorgos Lanthimos’ Bugonia. Her performance in the latter film, directed by her frequent collaborator, garnered similar acclaim which made her one of the most talked about stars last year — for Lanthimos’ Poor Things — and has made her one of the favourites in the lead actress race this year.