BAFTA Awards 2022: Here are the 5 EE Rising Star nominees

Virgin Radio

1 Feb 2022, 11:04

Five up-and-coming stars of the big screen have been recognised by the BAFTAs with the EE Rising Star Award.

Previous winners have often gone on to have illustrious careers within the film industry, with James McAvoy, John Boyega, Tom Holland and Kristen Stewart all having the coveted gong on their mantelpiece.

The nominees were announced by 2021 winner Bukky Bakray, and while the likes of Andy Serkis, Sadie Frost and Michelle Dockery were on the judging panel this year, it is the only BAFTA Film Award prize to then be voted for by the public.

The five nominees are:

Ariana DeBose (West Side Story)

Harris Dickinson (The King's Man)

Lashana Lynch (No Time To Die)

Millicent Simmonds (A Quiet Place: Part 2)

Kodi Smit-McPhee (The Power Of The Dog)

During the announcement press conference, hosted by Edith Bowman, West Side Story star Ariana said: "I am beyond humbled to join the talented group of actors that have been nominated for the EE Rising Star Award over the years. To say I’m excited is an understatement.

“I love the way the British public views art, you support it in a different way, it gives me hope, I don't feel the American public consume art in the same way.”

“I'm inspired by the work that's being made here. It makes me want to be better, it's really something special. The entire season has been special but this is one of those cherries on top.”

Recalling the moment she found out about the prestigious nod, Millicent, who starred in A Quiet Place: Part Two explained: “My publicist called me. She called and said ‘listen, I have a lot of NDAs you need to sign!' 

“I was overwhelmed and excited, and then I started looking into the history of Rising Star. It felt unreal to be brought to this level. To be recognised in this way is a real honour.”

The King’s Man star Harris said: “I feel incredibly honoured to share with everyone here. BAFTA provides that platform for marginalised stories, that's so special and honourable, I feel really grateful.”

Kodi, who appeared virtually all the way from Australia, echoed his fellow nominee’s sentiments. He added: “It means the world, it's one of the many beautiful things of our industry. To be recognised in such a way, to redeem the blood, sweat and tears alongside your peers is a really beautiful thing.”

Bond star Lashana, who wasn’t able to attend due to filming commitments, said in her comment: “I’m so elated for my fellow nominees who inspire myself and others, as we continue to fight for change within our industry and the world. I’m proud to be able to do that in moments like these.”

While the nominees had to keep silent about their incredible achievement, Ariana admitted 2021 winner Bukky was able to share some Rising Star wisdom. 

When asked about speaking to former winners and nominees, Ariana said: "[Bukky and I] share a stylist, that's amazing to have something in common that way. She was talking about the moment you're in and knowing you're worthy, I needed that bit of advice today.”

On her big win back in 2021, Bukky said: “[The win was] life changing. I realised a lot of things, and opened myself up. It was really confidence boosting. It felt like a safety net, felt like I could be more courageous and brave. I feel really excited for what's to come.”

Voting is now open at ee.co.uk/BAFTA. Winners will be announced during the 2022 BAFTA Film Awards on Sunday 13th March on BBC One.