EE Rising Star Award in 2020

Micheal Ward recently starred in the highly anticipated Netflix series Top Boy, which was produced by Drake and earned breakthrough star Micheal widespread acclaim throughout the UK. Micheal has also earned praise from critics for his lead role in Paramount’s Blue Story, which follows the story of two young boys from opposing postcodes that quickly form a firm friendship that is tested when they wind up on rival sides of a street war. Micheal has also starred in BBC thriller series The A List, which was release internationally on Netflix.

Micheal Ward, commenting on his nomination, said: “The last two years have been unbelievable, and now to find out that my industry has recognised my work and put me up for the EE Rising Star Award, really is the most amazing thing to happen.”

Nora Lum, known professionally as AWKWAFINA, has established herself on the big screen with her lead role in The Farewell, which has already earned her a Golden Globe for Best Actress. She has also had supporting roles in big hitting films including Ocean’s 8, the all-female spinoff to the Ocean’s Trilogy, Crazy, Rich Asians and Jumanji: The Next Level. Her other upcoming films include Breaking News in Yuba County, The Prom and a live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid.

Awkwafina, commenting on her nomination, said: “It’s truly an honour to be nominated for the EE Rising Star award. I’m grateful to BAFTA and the jury for the nomination and that I am able to share this recognition with so many other talented actors and actresses.”

KAITLYN DEVER

Kaitlyn Dever has been praised for her lead role in Booksmart, where she was recognised by the Hollywood Critics Association as a young Breakthrough Artist. She has also received critical acclaim for her performance in Unbelievable, which has already earned her a Golden Globe nomination. Kaitlyn’s other notable roles have included Beautiful Boy, alongside Steve Carrell and Timothée Chalamet; The Front Runner, opposite Hugh Jackman and Detroit, alongside former EE Rising Star Winners John Boyega and Will Poulter. She is also currently in production for Monsterland, an anthology series opposite Jonathan Tucker.

Kaitlyn Dever, commenting on her nomination, said: “To be selected by BAFTA and the jury as an EE Rising Star nominee is unbelievable. It’s particularly exciting to be put forward for an award that celebrates new talent – especially when I think about the calibre of those nominated over the years. It’s a very proud moment for me.”

KELVIN HARRISON JR

Kelvin Harrison Jr was born and raised in New Orleans and initially studied jazz at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts before realising his passion for acting. From there, he has been cast in a range of challenging and diverse roles across the big and small screen. Kelvin has been praised for his title role in Luce, starring opposite Octavia Spencer, Tim Roth and Naomi Watts, and has already garnered early Oscar buzz for his role in upcoming drama Waves. Kelvin has also received critical acclaim for his performance in It Comes At Night, which earned him a Gotham Independent Film award nomination for Breakthrough Actor and his supporting role in Oscar nominated Mudbound.

Kelvin Harrison Jr, commenting on his nomination, said: “I have followed this award since it began and the nominees have always made up a really impressive list. I feel honoured to be counted among them.”

JACK LOWDEN

Jack Lowden first received widespread acclaim in 2011 for his role in The National Theatre of Scotland’s production of Black Watch. From there, he has played a variety of diverse and dynamic roles spanning both film and theatre, firmly cementing his place as one of the UK’s most exciting young talents. His film work includes standout turns in Dunkirk, Mary Queen of Scots, Fighting With My Family and Calibre, for which he won a Scottish BAFTA. He has also won an Olivier Award for his role in Ghosts at the Almeida Theatre. His next film roles will be in Cordivae and Fonzo, which will see him team up again with Tom Hardy. He will also be starring alongside John Boyega and Letitia Wright, both previous EE Rising Star winners, in Steve McQueen’s upcoming anthology series Small Axe.

Jack Lowden, commenting on his nomination, said: “I would like to thank both BAFTA and the jury panel for nominating me for the 2020 EE Rising Star Award. Watching the BAFTA Film Awards has always been one of the highlights of my year so it’s incredible to think I’ll be there next month waiting to hear who the public have voted as their winner.”