By bizn_fun 
The BAFTA rising star award is the only prize voted for by the public, and the nominees have already been announced after being selected by a panel of industry jurors.
The award celebrates actors and actresses at the start of their careers, with previous winners including Tom Holland, James McAvoy, Kristen Stewart, Daniel Kaluuya, Tom Hardy, Lashana Lynch and Emma Mackey.
This year’s nominees are:
Archie Madekwe – Lurker
BAFTA says: “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, parasocial 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.”
Chase Infiniti – One Battle After Another
BAFTA says: “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 spin-off of The Handmaid’s Tale, and recently wrapped Nikki Byrne’s film The Julia Set.”
Miles Caton – Sinners
BAFTA says: “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 after 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 HER as a background vocalist, and, in addition to acting, Caton continues to build his music career.”
Posy Sterling – Lollipop
BAFTA says: “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.”
Robert Aramayo – I Swear
BAFTA says: A British actor from Hull and a graduate of The Juilliard School, who leads Kirk Jones’s 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.
If you want to vote for your favourite, you can do so here – you have until midday on Friday 20 February.
The winner will be announced during the ceremony on Sunday 22 February.