BAFTA has announced that Naomi Ackie (Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody), Sheila Atim (The Woman King), Aimee Lou Wood (Living), Emma Mackey (Emily), and Daryl McCormack (Good Luck to You, Leo Grande) have been nominated for the 2023 EE Rising Star Award, the only category from the British Academy Film Awards to be decided by a public vote.
“I’ve followed and been inspired by the EE BAFTA Film Awards for so many years, so to be recognised amongst this incredible group of artists is HUGE,” said Naomi Ackie. “This nod from the EE Rising Star jury, and to be recognised for my work in the country that I’ve grown up in, is also a nod of encouragement, to continue to create stories that speak to people. What a beautiful experience to be a part of.”
“I’m grateful to the EE Rising Star Award for continuing to highlight the contributions of emerging talent in our industry,” said Sheila Atim. “This public-voted award is truly an award of the people and a joyous celebration between artist and audience. Thank you to BAFTA for listing me alongside this year’s wonderful group, adding to the esteemed rostrum of nominees past”
“I am totally thrilled! Thank you BAFTA and EE,” said Aimee Lou Wood. “I love how this special award draws attention to emerging talent and I’m always so excited to see who the nominees are when they’re announced. To be included this year is very surprising and a real pinch me moment. I feel extremely grateful and moved to be here amongst such wonderful people!”
“I am so grateful to BAFTA and EE for including me in this category,” said Emma Mackey. “Being able to tell stories and make films is already such a blessing. To be nominated alongside these wonderful actors and for us all to be noticed by such a respected and inspiring institution is very humbling indeed.”
“For as long as I can remember, I have followed those recognised by the BAFTA EE Rising Star category as a source of inspiration,” said Daryl McCormack. “To hear that I stand in the company of the past and present nominees is an incredible honour. Thank you, sincerely, to the jury.”
“Recognising and supporting creative talent is of the upmost importance to us at BAFTA which is why we are delighted to continue our partnership with EE and the EE Rising Star Award,” added Jane Millchip, CEO of BATFA. “This year’s five nominees have displayed a breath-taking ability to tell stories and create characters that resonate with their audiences, and it’s now up to the British public to decide who will take home the award on 19th February.”
You can cast your vote for the 2023 EE BAFTA Rising Star Award here.
