Overview

The BAFTA Rising Star Award, presented by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, celebrates emerging acting talent whose performances have attracted public and industry attention. Nominated performers may be of any nationality and any gender, and their breakthrough work can come from either film, television or both. The category is intended to spotlight early-career actors and actresses who show exceptional promise and whose future careers are anticipated to grow substantially.

Eligibility and characteristics

Nominees for the Rising Star Award are typically actors at an early stage in their careers who have delivered one or more notable performances in the qualifying year. The award recognises potential as much as achievement: selection focuses on recent visibility, critical notice and the likelihood that the performer will continue to make a significant contribution to screen acting. A short list of five nominees is announced in advance of the BAFTA ceremony.

Nomination and voting process

The five nominees are selected by BAFTA juries, drawing on the academy’s industry expertise to identify performers who represent fresh talent. Unlike most BAFTA categories, the final winner of the Rising Star Award is not chosen by academy voting alone: it is decided by the public. Supporters can cast votes by the methods promoted by BAFTA for that year, historically including online voting, telephone and text messaging. This public-facing element is a defining feature of the award, linking audience reaction directly to the outcome.

History and sponsorship

The award was created in the mid-2000s after the death of casting director Mary Selway in 2004; its origins are tied to a desire to acknowledge those who help identify and nurture new performers. Over time the prize has been presented under different commercial titles reflecting its sponsors: it was known for a period as the Orange Rising Star Award when sponsored by Orange UK, and from 2013 the award has carried the EE brand. The sponsorship arrangement funds the award and its promotion, while the name change reflects the commercial partner rather than the aim or selection criteria of the honour.

Significance and impact

Receiving a BAFTA Rising Star nomination or the award itself can raise a performer’s profile significantly. Media coverage, industry attention and public recognition often follow, which can lead to more prominent casting opportunities and career momentum. The prize is frequently cited by agents and casting directors as a useful early-career credential, and it has become one of BAFTA’s most visible ways to celebrate the next generation of screen performers.

Distinctive aspects and notable facts

  • Public vote: The winner is determined by public voting, distinguishing it from the majority of BAFTA awards decided by academy members.
  • International scope: Nominees may come from any country and can be recognised for work in television as well as film.
  • Industry recognition: Nomination signals endorsement from BAFTA’s juries and often attracts broader industry interest.
  • Visibility: The award ceremony and associated promotions provide a high-profile platform for new talent.

For more information on eligibility, current nominees and voting procedures, see BAFTA announcements and the official rules published each year by the academy.