Malachi Barton is ready for the next step in his career and is getting recognized for his work. The 19-year-old actor was honored at Variety’s 2026 Power of Young Hollywood event with the Rising Star Award on Wednesday night, and he stole the show with his heartfelt speech.
The event was star-studded, with Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost brand ambassador Tate McRay, sombr and Tyriq Withers all being honored. While accepting the recognition, Barton opened up about the lessons he’s learned growing up in Hollywood, the importance of staying grounded, and why he believes his journey is only just beginning.
© GettyHaving spent most of his life in front of the camera, Barton reflected on the outlook that comes from growing up on set. “I’ve been pretty lucky to have spent the majority of my life on sets,” he told the crowd.
“One of the coolest things about this industry is that you take a lot of different things from different projects, whether that be from a director or a crewmate or a cast member. You take that to your next job, and I think that’s something so special.”
© GettyBut it was his tribute to his parents that stood out. “I love you guys more than you know,” Barton said. “You guys made our house a place where creativity, art, music, and most importantly, God were at the center, and dreaming big somehow felt totally normal.”
© GettyHe continued by sharing the lesson that has stayed with him throughout his rise in Hollywood. “You’ve taught me that success isn’t about the awards or the headlines, but it’s about the person you’ve become along the way. So thank you for sacrificing so much so I could chase something I really, really love.”
The message echoed what Barton has shared in recent interviews. “My parents did a great job, like from when I was younger putting me in. I played baseball my whole, like, growing up until I was fourteen, and I skate, I surf, I snowboard, I do all those things, and that’s like those are my outlets of like, of normal,” he said on the I’ve Never Said This Before podcast.
© GettyThe honor arrives at a pivotal moment in Barton’s career. After introducing himself to an even larger audience with Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires, he’s preparing to headline Disney’s next supernatural series, Coven Academy.
The upcoming Disney Channel and Disney+ show, created by High School Musical: The Musical: The Series creator Tim Federle, follows a trio of teenage witches-in-training who must protect New Orleans from ancient dark forces. Barton stars as Jake alongside Malina Weissman, Tiffani Thiessen and Louis Thresher, marking his first leading role in a major original Disney series since Stuck in the Middle.
As his career continues to evolve from child actor to leading man, Barton said he sees the recognition as motivation rather than a destination. “I love that this award says ‘Rising Star’ because you’re not done rising,” he said. “You’re still climbing, you’re still learning, taking risks and getting better, and that’s exactly how I feel.”
“The best is yet to come,” he said. The young star finished his speech by honoring his faith, thanking Jesus.
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