Ahead of its glittering awards ceremony in February, BAFTA today announced the shortlist of exciting talent that makes up its Rising Stars category this year.
The award picks out the actors who have, as the BAFTAs put it, "demonstrated exceptional talent and ambition and begun to capture the imagination of the British public". Previous winners include Emma Mackey, Micheal Ward, Lashana Lynch, Daniel Kaluuya, Tom Holland, John Boyega and Eva Green.
This year's five nominees were selected by a panel of industry insiders that included Daisy Edgar-Jones (Normal People), SÌ£oÌ£peÌ£Ì Dìrísù (Gangs of London) and Himesh Patel (Tenet) and announced at a press conference this morning by actor Stephen Graham.
Phoebe Dynevor
The 28-year-old British actor Phoebe Dynevor, who is best-known for playing Daphne Bridgerton in Netflix smash hit Bridgerton between 2020 and 2022, is currently starring in erotic thriller Fair Play. Her previous credits also include The Colour Room (2021) and Bank of Dave (2023).
"Being recognised by the EE BAFTA Film Awards for the EE Rising Star Award is a testament to the hard work of the entire team on Fair Play who brought this film to life," said Dynevor. "I am truly grateful for this recognition and excited to continue challenging myself with new roles and projects."
Ayo Edebiri
Ayo Edebiri is having a good week. The actor and writer won a Golden Globe on Sunday for playing young chef Sydney Adamu in award-winning comedy-drama The Bear. Now she has been selected for her role in Bottoms, the satirical queer comedy directed by Emma Seligman, which was co-written by Rachel Sennott. She has also featured in recent comedy Abbott Elementary and adult cartoon Big Mouth .
"It’s wonderful and humbling to receive this nomination," said Edebiri. "It’s the greatest privilege to tell stories and make people laugh. I know I’m in esteemed company and this means the world."
Jacob Elordi
Australian actor Jacob Elordi, 26, found international fame playing heartthrob Nate in HBO's Euphoria in 2019. He has now become an obsession once again, playing posh rich boy Felix in Saltburn, Emerald Fennell's new dark comedy. The film was released in mid-November but seems to be gaining momentum with thousands watching the divisive tale over the Christmas break.
"I am deeply honoured to be recognised by BAFTA and EE with a Rising Star nomination," said Elordi.
Mia McKenna-Bruce
How To Have Sex stands up to its intriguing and bold title: Molly Manning Walker's feature debut, a fascinating coming of age drama, won the Un Certain Regard award at Cannes last year and Mia McKenna-Bruce's leading turn in the film is a triumph.
The 26-year-old London-born actor, whose previous credits include Persuasion (2022), Get Even (2020) and The Rebels (2019) said: "I have always been inspired by the work of those actors recognised in the BAFTA EE Rising Star category. To hear that I now stand amongst the past and present nominees is surreal and a total dream come true. I am so very grateful."
Sophie Wilde
Australian actor Sophie Wilde, 25, wowed audiences in Danny and Michael Philippou's chilling supernatural horror Talk to Me, which has been nominated for 11 AACTA Awards – Australia's Oscars. She will next star in A24 erotic thriller Babygirl alongside Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson, and in Netflix's Boy Swallows Universe alongside Simon Baker and Phoebe Tonkin, meaning the future is looking very bright for the young star.
"I am so very excited and grateful to BAFTA and EE for including me in this category and amongst this year’s brilliant nominees. To be recognised, and for Talk To Me, a film we all put so much love and hard work into, is a privilege."
