Adam Deacon - Orange Wednesdays Rising Star of 2012

20 December 11

Adam Deacon was crowned Orange Wednesdays Rising Star after the public voted him their favourite actor from a shortlist of five.

Christina Hendricks presented the award to Deacon at the Orange British Academy Film Awards in 2012. Watch his acceptance speech and backstage interview with Zoë Ball.

Born and raised in Hackney, East London, Adam rose to fame after starring in 2006 film Kidulthood and has been playing urban and streetwise characters since the age of 12. He reprised the role of Jay in Adulthood, the sequel to Kidulthood, as well as starring in crime thriller 4.3.2.1. In 2012, he is due to appear in three films; Outside Bet (alongside Bob Hoskins), thriller Payback Season and Menhaj Huda’s Comedown.

“The build-up to the award has been one of our most exciting yet with passionate support demonstrating this truly is the public’s award.”

The Winner...

_{Spencer McHugh, Director of Brand at Orange}

ADAM DEACON - Hackney-born Adam rose to fame in Noel Clarke’s Kidulthood, before reprising the role in the follow-up Adulthood and again working with Clarke in 4321. Adam then went onto mark his own mark on the film industry by co-writing, directing and starring in Brit comedy and box office success Anuvahood.

The Nominees...

	CHRIS HEMSWORTH - Australian actor Chris became an overnight success after landing the title role in film version of the Marvel comic Thor and he will reprise the role in The Avengers next year. Chris is next starring in Snow White And The Huntsman opposite Kirsten Stewart and Charlize Theron and will play Formula One driver James Hunt in Ron Howard’s Rush.
	TOM HIDDLESTON - RADA graduate Tom broke onto the big screen earlier this year in Kenneth Branagh's Thor. Tom’s recent projects include Woody Allen’s film Midnight In Paris, Steven Spielberg’s War Horse, and The Deep Blue Sea opposite Rachel Weisz. Tom has recently finished filming The Avengers which is due for release in May 2012.
	CHRIS O’DOWD - Chris began his career in the cult comedy series The IT Crowd before breaking into film with standout roles including The Boat That Rocked, Gulliver’s Travels and hugely successful Bridesmaids. Chris will next be seen in Judd Apatow’s This Is 40 alongside Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann.
	EDDIE REDMAYNE - After receiving much critical acclaim on the West End and Broadway stage Eddie burst onto the film scene in My Week With Marilyn alongside Michelle Williams, Dame Judi Dench and Kenneth Branagh. He recently finished filming Birdsong the movie adaptation of the acclaimed novel by Sebastian Faulks.

The Award:

The Orange Wednesdays Rising Star Award recognises the best up-and-coming actors and actresses in film and is is the only award presented on the night that is voted for by the public.

Voting:

An original longlist was put together by a jury of influential names from across the film and media industry. Voting from a longlist of 8 was then opened up to Orange customers, leading to the final list of the five official nominees from which the public voted Deacon as their winner.