Sofia Carson

For Sofia Carson, one of the most important decisions she made on My Oxford Year came down to a mother’s profession. In an early version of the film, Anna de la Vega’s mother cleaned houses. Carson, who starred in and executive produced the Netflix romance, wanted something different. The character became a doctor from Argentina who works as a nurse in the United States because her degree does not transfer.

Behind that change was something Carson had been thinking about since her earliest auditions: how limited the roles for young Hispanic women could be. This time, she had the power to help shape the character herself and bring another kind of immigrant experience to the screen.

The connection was personal. Born in Fort Lauderdale to Colombian immigrant parents from Barranquilla, Carson grew up between American and Colombian culture, spending summers in Colombia and remaining close to her family’s roots. That background made Anna’s story particularly meaningful, but it also speaks to something larger in Carson’s career. She has become increasingly interested not only in being seen on screen, but in having a say in what audiences see.

That evolution began years earlier. After becoming known around the world as Evie in Disney’s Descendants, Carson took on a much bigger role behind the camera with Purple Hearts. She spent years developing the 2022 film, served as executive producer, starred as Cassie Salazar and co-wrote original songs for its soundtrack.

By 2025, Carson had become one of Netflix’s most recognizable leading women. The Life List, opposite Connie Britton, reached No. 1 in more than 70 countries. She hosted Netflix’s global Tudum event before returning that August with another lead role, bringing her work as an actress and producer together again.

© VCG

This year has taken Carson into different rooms. In April, she hosted the Academy’s Scientific and Technical Awards at the Academy Museum. She has also spoken about returning to music, with new material planned for 2026. And in September, she was named to TIME’s 2026 Latino Leaders list, another recognition of a career that has continued to expand beyond acting.

At 33, Carson has moved far beyond the Disney role that first introduced her to millions. Acting, producing and music now give her different ways to tell stories, but the choices behind them are increasingly her own. She remembers what it was like to see Hispanic women confined to familiar roles. Now, when she has a seat at the table, she can help make sure the woman on screen gets a fuller story.