Voting is now open for the only category at the EE BAFTA Film Awards voted for by the British public
- The EE Rising Star Award nominees for 2026 have been unveiled as: Archie Madekwe (Lurker), Chase Infiniti (One Battle After Another), Miles Caton (Sinners), Posy Sterling (Lollipop) and Robert Aramayo (I Swear)
- Nominees were announced by actor and 2024 EE Rising Star winner Mia McKenna-Bruce (How to Have Sex, The Fence) at a press conference hosted by film critic and radio host Ali Plumb at The Savoy
- Nominees were selected by a panel of industry jurors including actors Joe Alwyn (The Brutalist, Kinds of Kindness), Sheila Atim (Blade Runner 2099, Dust Bunny) and Benedict Wong (Weapons, 3 Body Problem), alongside a distinguished line up of industry experts
- The prestigious EE Rising Star Award is the only award at the EE BAFTA Film Awards voted for by the British public. This year, EE is doing more to get the nation closer to the red-carpet action by making voting easier than ever, inspiring a nation of everyday filmmakers through the power of the EE network
- Voting is now open at co.uk/BAFTA, via WhatsApp, and across EE socials until Friday 20th February 2026 at 12:00
- The winner will be announced on Sunday 22nd February 2026 at the EE BAFTA Film Awards ceremony, aired on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
Wednesday 14 January, London: Today, the five nominees for the 2026 EE Rising Star Award were announced during a press conference at The Savoy Hotel in London.
The press conference was introduced by BAFTA CEO, Jane Millichip, and Brand & Marketing Communications Director at EE and Plusnet, Kelly Engstrom. The event was opened with the first official screening of Setting Sail, a short film resulting from the Set the Stage project, a programme created by EE in partnership with BAFTA which gave 16 young people the opportunity to explore their passion for film with hands-on access to the creative industries and mentorship. Setting Sail is now available to watch on EE’s YouTube here. You can also watch the Set the Stage participant’s filmmaking journey on the EE LearnSmart website, created by Digitas UK.
Actor and 2024 EE Rising Star Award winner, Mia McKenna-Bruce, and film critic and radio host, Ali Plumb, went on to reveal the highly anticipated 2026 nominees. They consist of five actors who have each demonstrated their remarkable talent in film over the past year, having captured the imagination of both the public and film industry alike.
The EE Rising Star Award nominees for 2026 are:
ARCHIE MADEKWE can currently be seen in the critically acclaimed Sundance hit Lurker, the feature debut of writer-director Alex Russell. The film explores the darker edges of fame, para-social relationships, and contemporary fan culture, with Archie taking his first producer credit. Archie also delivered a standout performance as “cousin Farleigh” in Emerald Fennell’s Saltburn, and led Sony Pictures’ Gran Turismo, the true story of a British teenage gamer who became a professional racing driver. His additional film credits include Midsommar, Beau Is Afraid, Voyagers, Teen Spirit, and Heart of Stone.
Archie Madekwe, commenting on his nomination, said: “It’s an incredible honour. I think as a Brit, the EE Rising Star Award has particular significance. So many of my favourite actors have been nominated for this award, so it’s completely surreal to be included this year – and alongside such an incredible group. I feel very lucky.”
CHASE INFINITI is a Golden Globe nominated actress best known for her starring role in Paul Thomas Anderson’s feature film One Battle After Another. Released by Warner Bros. in September 2025, the film has earned rave reviews, with Infiniti’s performance described as “star-making.” She has earned a Golden Globe, Critics’ Choice, and Gotham Award nomination for her performance as well as winning the 2025 National Board of Review award for “Breakthrough Performance.” In 2024, she delivered a breakout turn in David E. Kelley’s Apple TV+ limited series Presumed Innocent opposite Jake Gyllenhaal and Ruth Negga, which became the streamer’s most-watched drama. Next, Infiniti leads Hulu’s The Testaments, the highly anticipated spinoff of The Handmaid’s Tale, and recently wrapped Nikki Byrne’s film The Julia Set.
Chase Infiniti, commenting on her nomination, said: “This nomination means the world to me. It’s been such a transformative year in my career, and I feel honoured and grateful to be considered for this award. Thank you to BAFTA, EE and all the jurors for including me alongside this tremendous group of actors.”
MILES CATON is a rising actor and musician who gained global recognition for his breakout role in Ryan Coogler’s box office hit Sinners for Warner Bros. In his acting debut, Caton starred opposite an all-star cast and received rave reviews for his role as Sammie. The 20-year-old Brooklyn, New York native first garnered national attention in 2017 following a video of him singing Nina Simone’s Feeling Good went viral, leading to appearances on NBC’s Little Big Shots, The View, and a part in the Jay-Z short film 4:44. In 2022, he toured with Grammy-winning artist H.E.R. as a background vocalist, and, in addition to acting, Caton continues to build his music career.
Miles Caton, commenting on his nomination, said: “Thank you to BAFTA, EE, and the jury for this nomination — it’s truly surreal. I’m honoured to be recognised alongside such talented artists, and I’m grateful to everyone who supports and champions new voices in film.”
POSY STERLING is one of the UK’s most exciting new talents, winning the BIFA Breakthrough Award for her performance in Lollipop and being named a Screen International Star of Tomorrow. The BBC Film and BFI-backed drama, directed by Daisy-May Hudson, has been hailed as a bold, urgent breakout. Sterling also spent seven weeks in New York performing in The Cherry Orchard at St. Ann’s Warehouse – having also starred in the Donmar Warehouse production the previous year. Her recent screen work includes multi-BAFTA nominated The Outrun and World on Fire, and she is soon to be featured in Trigger Point and Channel 4’s Dirty Business. On stage, she has appeared in acclaimed productions including National Theatre’s Dixon and Daughters and Faith, Hope & Charity.
Posy Sterling, commenting on her nomination, said: “I’m genuinely overwhelmed by this recognition, and I want to thank BAFTA, EE and all the jurors who helped make this longtime dream a reality. To be recognised here in the UK, where I first began acting and was inspired to dream big, makes this moment all the more special.”
ROBERT ARAMAYO is a British actor from Hull and a graduate of The Juilliard School. He leads Kirk Jones’ film I Swear, inspired by the life of Tourette Syndrome advocate John Davidson. Aramayo’s performance was widely acclaimed and earned him the British Independent Film Award for Best Lead Performance. Aramayo also stars in Palestine 36, directed by Annemarie Jacir. On television, Aramayo is known for starring as Elrond in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and previously played young Eddard Stark in Game of Thrones.
Robert Aramayo, commenting on his nomination, said: “Today is a day I will never forget. The artists nominated alongside me this year and those who’ve been recognised by the EE Rising Star Award before set a standard that continues to inspire me. If young Robert only knew he’d be standing here as an EE Rising Star nominee today, he’d be very proud.”
This year, the EE Rising Star Award jury panel was tasked with selecting the 2026 nominees from a comprehensive list of talented actors. The jury met at The Savoy Hotel in November 2025 where they whittled down the longlisted names to these five nominees, who will go head-to-head in the public vote ahead of the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards.
The jury, chaired by Anna Higgs, BAFTA Film Committee member, featured actors Joe Alwyn (The Brutalist, Kinds of Kindness), Sheila Atim (Blade Runner 2099, Dust Bunny) and Benedict Wong (Weapons, 3 Body Problem), director Raine Allen Miller (Rye Lane, The Roots Manoeuvre), and casting director Aisha Bywaters (Dreamers, We Are Lady Parts).
Mia McKenna-Bruce, host and former EE Rising Star winner, said: “Winning the EE Rising Star Award was a very exciting and surreal moment for me. I wish all the incredibly talented 2026 nominees the best of luck on their Rising Star journey and as they continue in their success as beautifully talented artists.”
Ali Plumb, EE Rising Star Award host, said: “It’s a privilege to return as host of this year’s EE Rising Star Award nominee announcement. This brilliant group of talented actors are so deserving of this honour. I encourage everyone to watch their films and cast your vote for the next EE Rising Star.”
Kelly Engstrom, Brand & Marketing Communications Director – EE and Plusnet, said: “We’re delighted to announce this year’s EE Rising Star Award nominees. Our valued partnership with BAFTA continues to be a source of great pride as we champion creativity and spotlight emerging talent in film, particularly through programmes such as ‘Set the Stage’. As the UK’s best network, EE is doing more to use the power of our 5G to connect audiences to the magic of the red carpet like never before. I encourage everyone to have their say and vote online, via WhatsApp or across EE socials, and stay tuned for more exciting news from EE leading up to the awards.”
Anna Higgs, Chair of the EE Rising Star jury, said: “Congratulations to all our exceptional EE Rising Star Award nominees. Each performer has delivered outstanding work this year, and their artistry represents such an exciting future for our industry. BAFTA is proud to shine a spotlight on these emerging stars, and we look forward to audiences discovering their remarkable performances to select their winner.”
Voting is now open at ee.co.uk/BAFTA, via WhatsApp or across EE socials and the winner will be announced at the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards. The ceremony will be hosted by beloved TV presenter and host of The Traitors US, Alan Cumming and will be broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer in the UK from the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall.
Celebrating twenty-one years of excellence, the EE Rising Star Award is the only EE BAFTA Film Awards category to be voted for by the British public. This reinforces EE’s commitment to using the power of the EE network to bring film and emerging talent to audiences across the UK, as well as giving the nation the chance to have their say in choosing the next recipient of the prestigious award.
Previous winners include David Jonsson, Mia McKenna-Bruce, Emma Mackey, Kristen Stewart, Eva Green, Lashana Lynch, Bukky Bakray, Letitia Wright, James McAvoy, Daniel Kaluuya, John Boyega and Tom Hardy.
Notes to Editors
For more information, please contact Edelman at [email protected].
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