A Daily Mail feature published Sept. 12 ranked a group of high‑profile celebrities as so‑called "nepo babies," dividing them into tiers from A‑list to Z‑list and citing industry sources to explain why some have been praised for talent while others have been criticised for relying on family connections.
The term "nepo baby" — shorthand for "nepotism baby" — entered the cultural lexicon in 2020 after a wave of social‑media commentary spotlighted the role parents’ fame and connections play in launching children’s careers. Five years on, the feature by columnist Dolly Busby asserted that some offspring of famous figures have built careers that industry insiders consider legitimate, while others are viewed as trading on their family names.
The piece places several actors and models in an "A‑list" category, noting examples such as Phoebe Dynevor, the 30‑year‑old star of Netflix’s Bridgerton and daughter of Coronation Street actress Sally Dynevor. The piece said an industry source described Phoebe as "carefully curating her career" to remain in Hollywood rather than return to British soap roles.
Lily Collins, 36, daughter of musician Phil Collins, was also listed among the A‑listers; the feature cited her recent comments that she sought to "make my own way" in acting. Mia Threapleton, the 24‑year‑old daughter of Kate Winslet, was credited with roles that include a part in Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme, which the feature described as having impressed critics. Rocco Ritchie, Princess Andre and others were discussed as A‑list examples who have either broadened their work beyond their parents’ careers or capitalised commercially on their backgrounds.
In the B‑ and C‑list groupings, the feature included models and performers who have benefited from parental contacts but, according to quoted acquaintances, have not always won praise for their personalities or professional trajectories. Lila Moss and Iris Law, both in their early 20s and daughters of noted models and actors, were described as securing major fashion contracts while being judged by some contacts as less engaging in personal interactions. Cruz Beckham, son of David and Victoria Beckham, was noted for working on a music career and for high‑profile public appearances tied to his family.
The C‑list section named figures such as Romeo Beckham and Anais Gallagher, describing transitions from attempted sports careers to modelling or roles that place them in the public eye. The feature highlighted Scarlett Thomas, 16, the daughter of actors Ryan Thomas and Tina O’Brien, drawing attention to her decision not to sit GCSE exams and subsequent casting in a television reunion, a choice the piece said prompted tension between her parents.
A lower tier of D‑list and Z‑list subjects included relatives the feature characterised as more controversial or less industrious. Names mentioned included Rafferty Law and his brother Rudy Law, both sons of actor Jude Law, who were portrayed in the piece as facing criticism from some in the entertainment world for obtaining roles or living comfortably off family wealth. Brooklyn Beckham and George Lineker were placed in the Z‑list category, with the feature recounting past criticism of their professional work and public reputations.
Throughout, the article relied on quotes attributed to "industry" or "insider" sources to explain placements and assessments. It also pointed to commercial outcomes: the feature noted that some offspring have secured lucrative brand deals, reality shows or high‑paying contracts that reflect both opportunity and inherited access.
Discussions of nepotism in entertainment have continued to surface in recent years as commentators debate the balance between inherited advantage and individual talent. Supporters of the performers cited in the feature have in some cases pointed to auditions, training and critical praise as evidence of merit, while critics say visibility and networking opportunities that come with famous parents remain decisive.
The Daily Mail feature is a journalistic column reflecting the views of its author and the industry contacts she quoted. It contributes to an ongoing public conversation about privilege and professional opportunity in film, television and fashion, a debate that has informed casting choices, social‑media commentary and coverage in entertainment journalism since the term "nepo baby" entered wider use in 2020.