During Awards Season, this one has long been a favourite because it’s not like the others, the EE Rising Star Award is unique because it’s the only 2022 EE BAFTA category to be voted for by the British public and voting will open on 1st February 2021, when the full shortlist will be revealed!
Today, BAFTA-winner Andy Serkis, who was honoured at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema, joined actresses Sadie Frost and Michelle Dockery, alongside a host of other industry experts, to select this upcoming EE Rising Star Award shortlist for the 2022 EE British Academy Film Awards.
Celebrating new and up-and-coming talent within the industry, past recipients of the EE Rising Star Award have gone on to achieve some of cinema’s highest accolades and become household names. The prestigious list of previous winners includes James McAvoy, Eva Green, Juno Temple, Tom Hardy, Kristen Stewart, Jack O’Connell, Will Poulter, John Boyega, Tom Holland, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Micheal Ward, and last year’s winner Bukky Bakray.
Accompanying Serkis, Frost and Dockery (which sound like a fictional crime trio) on the jury panel were an outstanding line-up of industry experts, gathered to debate the merits of the emerging talent longlist. The jury meeting took place at BAFTA’s headquarters 195 Piccadilly that has just experienced a major redevelopment. The winner will be revealed at the ceremony on Sunday 13th March 2022.
Chaired by EMMY-winning and BAFTA-nominated television producer and BAFTA Chair, Krishnendu Majumdar, the panel also included casting directors, Lucy Bevan (Cruella and Belfast), Leo Davis (The Queen and A Very English Scandal), producer Uzma Hasan (FirstBorn) and senior talent agent Ikki El-Amriti (Identity Agency Group). The jury was completed by prominent film, entertainment, and arts journalists. Serkis had this to say:
“I’m thrilled to be a part of the process in selecting this year’s hugely talented candidates, and it’s been incredibly hard to just pick five actors, but I have no doubt I will enjoy watching their performances for a long time to come. It’s been such a challenging time in the film industry but it’s reassuring to know that in its 17th year, the EE Rising Star Award is still just as exciting and more relevant than ever. What’s so wonderful is that EE is empowering film fans to cast their vote, and I can’t wait to see who the recipient for 2022 will be.”
Michelle Dockery added:
“It’s been a huge honour for me to deliberate alongside the impressive panel of jurors. The industry is bursting with such incredible talent and watching the films over the past few weeks has been such a joy. I’ve really enjoyed getting in the room and discussing the performances with the other jurors and can’t wait to see who will go on to win the public vote.”
Sadie Frost said:
“When I was asked to join this year’s EE Rising Star Award panel, I was delighted. The level of talent within the film industry continues to surprise me so it will be very interesting to see who has made the shortlist. It’s such a fantastic opportunity to put some incredible young talent in the spotlight and I can’t wait to watch these fresh new faces go on to achieve magnificent things.”
EE Rising Star Award jury chair and BAFTA Chair, Krishnendu Majumdar, said:
“At BAFTA, supporting and showcasing new talent is integral to everything we do, and the EE Rising Star Award is a fantastic opportunity to put some first class up-and-coming talent in the spotlight. This is the only film award category voted for by the public and I’m delighted to say the calibre of this year’s talent is outstanding. I’m looking forward to revealing the five nominees next year and seeing who will take home the award on March 13th.”
critical popcorn 