EE BAFTA Rising Star Award 2026 nominees have been announced

The nominees for the EE BAFTA Rising Star Award have been announced.

Archie Madekwe (Lurker), Chase Infiniti (One Battle After Another), Miles Caton (Sinners), Posy Sterling (Lollipop) and Robert Aramayo (I Swear) were revealed as the nominees for the 2026 prize at a press conference at London's Savoy Hotel on Wednesday (14.01.26) hosted by 2024 EE Rising Star Award winner Mia McKenna-Bruce and film critic and radio presenter Ali Plumb.

The nominees were chosen by a panel of industry jurors including actors Joe Alwyn, Sheila Atim and Benedict Wong alongside a host of distinguished industry experts.

Posy – who starred in the acclaimed British drama film Lollipop – explained how she was climbing a mountain with friends when she found out she had been nominated.

The 33-year-old star recalled: "My agent called me and she said, 'Where are you? What are you doing?', and I said, 'I'm on top of a mountain, what about you?'

"She said, 'Are you on your own?', and I said, 'No'. I was with my two friends. She said, 'You need to go somewhere private.' So I found out, cried, and then had to not say anything."

Meanwhile, Robert – who played the lead role in I Swear, based on the true life story of Tourette's syndrome campaigner John Davidson – revealed that his parents were "crying and jumping" when he informed them of his nomination.

The 33-year-old actor said: "I told my parents. There was a lot of crying and jumping, it was quite intense."

He added: "Today is a day I will never forget. 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."

Archie, 30, said: "It's an incredible honour. 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."

Chase, 25, said: "This nomination means the world to me. 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."

Miles, 20, said: "Thank you to BAFTA, EE and the jury for this nomination – it's truly surreal. I'm honoured to be recognised alongside such talented artists, and I'm grateful to everyone who supports and champions new voices in film."

The prestigious EE Rising Star Award is the only prize at the EE BAFTA Film Awards voted for by the British public.

Voting is now open at ee.co.uk/BAFTA, via WhatsApp, and across EE socials until Friday 20th February 2026 at 12:00.

The winner will be announced on Sunday 22nd February at the EE BAFTA Film Awards ceremony, aired on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.