TIME 100 NEXT The World's Rising Stars - Phenoms

From the halls of power to recording studios and science labs, these rising stars are remaking the world while defining the next generation of leadership

- HARRY BOOTH, LESLIE DICKSTEIN, KOH EWE, CHAD DE GUZMAN, THARIN PILLAY, AND SIMMONE SHAH

ANNA SAWAI

32 BRIGHT STAR

By Hiroyuki Sanada

Anna Sawai could play any role on this earth, or in space. Period pieces or far-future films-she is so talented that she can do anything. Shogun was our first time working together. It was also her first time starring in a samurai drama. The effort she put into creating her character, Lady Mariko, was incredible. She had to learn so many things so quickly: riding a horse, walking in a kimono, fighting with a naginata, and performing in both English and samuraiera Japanese, which we never use in modern life. She'd call me on the weekend about the next week's dialogue, and we'd talk about the meaning and the pronunciation, the rhythm and tone. The script was always changing, but she'd memorize it perfectly, and perform it with such power. She brought a kind of peace to the set, bringing everyone together: the Western crew, the Japanese crew. She was so kind, and thoughtful, and she played her role with such grace. This September, she won an Emmy-the first Asian actor to win in her category. From here, she'll just get bigger, and bigger. I can't wait to watch.

FRED RICHARD

20 HIGH-FLYING INSPIRATION

By Stephen Nedoroscik

Fred Richard improves faster than any other gymnast I have ever seen. He's an amazing gymnast, as well as an amazing advocate for the sport. Men's gymnastics hasn't had its time in the spotlight in many years, but Fred is working harder than anybody else to change that. During his Olympic pursuit, he grew the sport's fan base through social media and televised appearances.