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Anya Taylor-Joy -

Anna Taylor-Joy is the star of the Netflix hit 'The Queen's Gambit.' She played Beth Harmon, a world chess champion who rose to the top of her game while battling addiction.

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Anya Taylor-Joy -

'The Queen's Gambit' was an instant success and Taylor-Joy gave a performance that cements her position on the list of people to watch in 2021.

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Michaela Coel -

British-Ghanaian writer and actress Michaela Coel's 'I May Destroy You' has been described by the New York Times as possibly "the most important TV show of 2020."

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Michaela Coel -

The show deals with the subject of sexual assault, and according to one critic at the New York Times it can be considered part of a wider trend in which Black women's experience of the issue is treated with greater respect.

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Jonathan Majors -

Actor Jonathan Majors had two roles with a war connection in 2020: he played a Korean War veteran in the HBO thriller 'Lovecraft Country,' and the son of a Vietnam War veteran in Spike Lee's 'Da 5 Bloods.'

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Jonathan Majors -

Alongside his co-stars, Majors garnered great praise for his performance in 'Lovecraft Country,' and 'Da 5 Bloods' was named a Critic's Pick by the New York Times.

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Kali Uchis -

Colombian-American singer Kali Uchis gained recognition in 2020 thanks to the release of her second album, 'Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios).' 

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Kali Uchis -

In October 2020, the versatile talent told Interview magazine that the last thing she would ever want to do is be a predictable artist. We watch her intently.

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Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin -

Home organizers Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin won over audiences in 2020 thanks to the Netflix series 'The Home Edit.'

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Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin -

With bucketloads of enthusiasm, the loveable duo took on the bookshelves and closets of celebrities and non-celebrities alike.

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Emma Corrin -

Emma Corrin rose to fame in 2020 thanks to her brilliant portrayal of the late Princess Diana in season 4 of the Netflix drama 'The Crown.'

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Emma Corrin -

Corrin has been praised for "tapping into the princess's charm and vulnerable side brilliantly on screen." We look forward to seeing what 2021 will bring for the young star.

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Addison Rae -

Addison Rae made it big in 2020 as a TikTok star. She rose to the top of the social media platform, landing some big endorsement deals and rubbing shoulders with the likes of Kim Kardashian West.

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Addison Rae -

In September 2020, it was announced that Rae would star in a gender swapped remake of the 1999 Robert Iscove film 'He's All That.' Having always dreamed of being an actress, she must be thrilled!

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Adrienne Warren -

In October 2020, Adrienne Warren earned a Tony nomination for her leading role in 'Tina - The Tina Turner Musical.' But it was not only her stunning performance that thrust her into the spotlight.

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Adrienne Warren -

She also made an empowered speech at the New York Times event Offstage: Opening Night earlier in 2020, in which she brought to light the racism that still exists on Broadway.

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Midori Francis -

Actress Midori Francis found a place in audience's hearts in 2020 thanks to her portrayal of the protagonist Lily in Netflix's 'Dash & Lily.'

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Midori Francis -

Francis' previous work includes a role in the coming-of-age comedy 'Good Boys.' After this year, we're sure her best work is still ahead of her!

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BLACKPINK -

The South Korean girl group BLACKPINK burst onto the international scene big time in 2020, streaming 'The Album,' which features the likes of Selena Gomez and Cardi B.

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BLACKPINK -

The girls also have a documentary out on Netflix, 'Light Up the Sky,' which gives fans an inside glimpse at what it's like to be in the world's hottest girl group.

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Charli and Dixie D'Amelio -

Sisters Charli and Dixie D'Amelio also made it to the top of the TikTok game in 2020. They monopolized the app with their dances, songs, and makeup collaborations.

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Charli and Dixie D'Amelio -

As of December 15, 2020, Charli had a whopping 102 million followers on the social media app; her sphere of influence is so great that there's even a Dunkin' Donut named after her.

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Chrishell Stause -

Actress and real estate agent Chrishell Stause enjoyed a career lift in 2020 thanks to her appearance on season 29 of 'Dancing with the Stars.' She previously appeared on 'Selling Sunset.'

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Chrishell Stause -

The year was not without controversy for Stause; during the series, rumors were flying of an affair with dance partner Gleb Savchenko, after he announced his split from his wife. Yet she just went public with another 'DWTS' pro, Keo Motsepe. And this was all after her messy divorce from actor Justin Hartley.

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Paul Mescal -

Irish actor Paul Mescal rose to prominence in 2020 thanks to his role in the miniseries 'Normal People.' His performance even earned him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.

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Paul Mescal -

With some even saying he has already risen to heartthrob status, we look forward to seeing what 2021 will bring for the promising young actor.

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Ziwe Fumudoh -

Writer and comedian Ziwe Fumudoh became an important figure of 2020 when she put 'iconic guests' in the hot seat and made them answer questions about race in rapid succession.

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Ziwe Fumudoh -

Off the back of her work, Fumudoh has landed a Showtime variety series. In October 2020, she said: "I am beyond excited to make my dream a reality with the brilliant minds at Showtime and A24."

Sources: (People) (The New York Times)

See also: The most anticipated movies of 2021

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