Meet the nominees for the EE Rising Star Award 2026

The most prestigious night in British television is fast approaching, and the countdown officially begins with the announcement of the EE Rising Star Award nominees.

This BAFTA Rising Star award celebrates talent that may appear to be at the beginning of their journey, but has often spent years facing rejection and pouring blood, sweat, and tears into their craft.

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Previous winners of the BAFTA Rising Star Award 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.

The five nominees for the 2026 EE Rising Star Award were revealed during a press conference at The Savoy Hotel in London. Actor and 2024 EE Rising Star Award winner Mia McKenna-Bruce, alongside film critic and radio host Ali Plumb, unveiled the highly anticipated shortlist.

Each of the five actors has demonstrated remarkable talent over the past year, capturing the imagination of both audiences and the film industry alike.

Courtesy of BAFTA

First up is Archie Madekwe. You might recognise the actor from Emerald Fennell’s Saltburn, where he played Cousin Farleigh, or as the lead in Sony Pictures’ Gran Turismo, which tells the true story of a British teenage gamer who became a professional racing driver. His film credits also include Midsommar, Beau Is Afraid, Voyagers, Teen Spirit, and Heart of Stone.

Most recently, Madekwe starred in the critically acclaimed Sundance hit Lurker, the feature debut of writer-director Alex Russell. The film explores the darker edges of fame, parasocial relationships, and modern fan culture, with Madekwe also earning his first producer credit.

“It’s an incredible honour," Madekwe said. "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.”

Courtesy of BAFTA

Holding her own alongside Leonardo DiCaprio takes serious grit, and Chase Infiniti did just that in her starring role in Paul Thomas Anderson’s feature One Battle After Another. Her performance has been described as “star-making,” making it no surprise that it caught the eye of the BAFTA committee.

Infiniti’s work has earned her a Golden Globe, Critics’ Choice, and Gotham Award nomination, as well as the 2025 National Board of Review award for Breakthrough Performance.

Previously, she appeared in David E. Kelley’s Apple TV+ limited series Presumed Innocent opposite Jake Gyllenhaal and Ruth Negga. She recently wrapped Nikki Byrne’s film The Julia Set, and next up, she’ll lead The Testaments, the highly anticipated spinoff of The Handmaid’s Tale — a project that has us more excited than ever.

“This nomination means the world to me," Infiniti said. "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.”

Courtesy of BAFTA

Miles Caton made a striking impression in Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, standing out as Sammie even amidst a star-studded cast. A rising actor and musician from New York, Caton first captured national attention in 2017 when 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 role in Jay-Z’s short film 4:44. In 2022, he toured with Grammy-winning artist H.E.R. as a background vocalist, and now he’s stepping further into the acting spotlight.

“Thank you to BAFTA, EE, and the jury for this nomination — it’s truly surreal," Caton said. "I’m honoured to be recognised alongside such talented artists, and I’m grateful to everyone who supports and champions new voices in film.”

Courtesy of BAFTA

A theatre and film crossover star, Posy Sterling is one of the UK’s most exciting new voices. She won the BIFA Breakthrough Award for her performance in Lollipop and was 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. Lollipop follows a young woman trying to regain custody of her children after being released from prison, and her friendship with another single mother, Amina.

Sterling previously spent seven weeks in New York performing in The Cherry Orchard at St. Ann’s Warehouse. Her other theatre credits include the National Theatre’s Dixon and Daughters and Faith, Hope & Charity. On screen, she appeared in the multi-BAFTA-nominated The Outrun and World on Fire, and she is soon set to feature in Trigger Point and Channel 4’s Dirty Business.

She's also a singer, and was invited by Jane Winehouse to write and record a song in Winehouse's studio.

“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,” Sterling said. "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.”

Courtesy of BAFTA

Robert Aramayo takes centre stage in I Swear, a film that truly takes your breath away. Inspired by the life of Scottish Tourette Syndrome advocate John Davidson, Aramayo’s performance has been widely acclaimed, earning him the British Independent Film Award for Best Lead Performance. A British actor from Hull, he is also a graduate of The Juilliard School.

Aramayo’s previous roles include Palestine 36, Behind Her Eyes and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, and he is perhaps best known for playing young Eddard Stark in seasons six and seven of Game of Thrones.

“Today is a day I will never forget," Aramayo said. "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.”

The jury, chaired by Anna Higgs, BAFTA Film Committee member, included a star-studded lineup: 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 is both the host of the EE Rising Star Award and the 2025 winner of the coveted prize. She captured the world’s attention with her standout performances in How to Have Sex and The Fence.

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“Winning the EE Rising Star Award was a very exciting and surreal moment for me," McKenna-Bruce said. "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.”

Her co-host for the EE Rising Star Award, Ali Plumb, is a celebrated film critic and radio presenter.

“It’s a privilege to return as host of this year’s EE Rising Star Award nominee announcement," Plumb said. "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.”

Voting is simple – and won’t take longer than a cuppa! It’s now open at ee.co.uk/BAFTA, via WhatsApp, or across EE socials, with the winner set to be announced at the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards.

The ceremony will be hosted by beloved TV presenter and The Traitors US host Alan Cumming, and will be broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer from the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall.