Inde Navarrette, Jaafar Jackson and More: Variety’s 10 Actors to Watch Spotlights ‘Obsession,’ ‘Michael,’ ‘La Bola Negra’ and Beyond

The Newport Beach Film Festival (NBFF) is set to return for its 27th edition from October 15 to 22, presenting a compelling lineup of over 100 feature films and 250 short films from 21 countries. This year’s festival continues its tradition of spotlighting emerging talents with Variety’s 10 Actors to Watch, a group recognized for their influential work across film and television.

Opening the festival will be the documentary "Frampton," which delves into the life and career of the iconic musician Peter Frampton. The closing night feature will be "Behemoth!," a Searchlight Pictures drama centered on a gifted cellist, portrayed by Pedro Pascal, who returns to his musical family in Los Angeles after two decades on the road. The film also stars Olivia Wilde, Eva Victor, and Alexa Swinton. In attendance will be notable industry figures including director and writer Tony Gilroy and production designer Jade Healy.

Gregg Schwenk, CEO and executive director of NBFF, emphasized the festival's role in uniting audiences with provocative storytelling and diverse voices as the awards season unfolds. The festival’s program includes an array of films ranging from mysteries and intimate dramas to bold narratives reflecting complex human experiences.

Featured centerpiece films include Martin McDonagh’s "Wild Horse Nine," featuring John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell, set against the backdrop of Chile’s turbulent political history. This film marks the English-language debut of Chilean actress Claudia Di Girolamo, who portrays nuanced themes of loyalty and friendship during the 1973 military coup. Other centerpiece presentations include Anton Corbijn’s "A Talent for Murder" starring Helen Mirren, Olivia Cooke, and Alden Ehrenreich; James Gray’s "Paper Tiger" with Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson; Beth de Araújo’s "Josephine" featuring Channing Tatum and Gemma Chan; and Danny Boyle’s "Ink," starring Jack O’Connell and Claire Foy.

The festival will also host the West Coast premiere of "Jimmy," a biopic exploring the life of Jimmy Stewart post his Oscar win for "The Philadelphia Story," followed by a Q&A with the cast, including KJ Apa.

International cinema is well represented, with films from countries such as Australia, the Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Germany, Iran, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Italy, New Zealand, the Philippines, Poland, Spain, and Sweden. Among these is the acclaimed Spanish film "La Bola Negra," directed by Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi (known as Los Javis). This generational queer drama, starring musicians and actors including Guitarricadelafuente and Penélope Cruz, captivated audiences at Cannes and received the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival People’s Choice Award.

Documentary offerings at NBFF include Ron Howard’s "Avedon," chronicling the life and work of photographer Richard Avedon, and "The Sixty-Year Mission," which examines the cultural impact of the "Star Trek" franchise. The festival will premiere "As Far Back as I Can Remember … The Story of ‘Goodfellas,’" a new documentary by Lisa Downs and Ashley Pugh.

Variety’s 10 Actors to Watch initiative has a longstanding history of identifying breakout stars, many of whom have gone on to receive prestigious awards. This year’s honorees include diverse talents making significant strides in their careers.

Among them, actress Emma Creed-Miles is recognized for her role as Marianne Dashwood in the latest adaptation of Jane Austen’s "Sense and Sensibility." Her portrayal highlights the chemistry between the sisters at the heart of the story, supported by co-stars Daisy Edgar-Jones and Caitriona Balfe. Despite initial audition challenges, Creed-Miles embraced the character’s wit and humanity, connecting deeply with the period’s sensibilities.

Chilean actress Claudia Di Girolamo, known for her influential family background in the arts, makes a notable impact in "Wild Horse Nine." The film addresses the legacy of Chile’s 1973 coup, a history personally resonant to Di Girolamo through her family’s experiences with political repression and human rights activism.

In "Misty Green," actress Misty Eleazar delivers a raw and complex performance as a struggling lounge singer navigating addiction and the pursuit of redemption under the direction of Chris Rock. Eleazar’s background in theater and screen work, including the Apple TV series "Slow Horses," informs her portrayal of a character marked by vulnerability beneath a hardened exterior.

Musician-turned-actor Guitarricadelafuente makes his acting debut in "La Bola Negra," where he explores themes of desire, identity, and masculinity set against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War. His transition from music to film was deeply personal, shaped by collaborative direction that encouraged emotional authenticity.

Joey King takes on the iconic role of Carrie White in Mike Flanagan’s Prime Video series "Carrie," offering a contemporary interpretation that addresses the challenges of modern high school bullying through the lens of social media. King developed this fresh take without prior exposure to the original novel or film, allowing her to craft a distinct portrayal of the character’s telekinetic powers and emotional struggles.

As NBFF celebrates its 27th year, it continues to foster a rich dialogue between filmmakers, actors, and audiences while amplifying diverse narratives from around the world. The festival’s blend of established auteurs and emerging talent provides a dynamic platform for the cinematic arts during a pivotal moment in the awards calendar.