The excitement is building for the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards as award-winning actors Joe Alwyn (The Brutalist, Conversations with Friends), Sheila Atim (Blade Runner 2099, All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt), and Benedict Wong (Doctor Strange, 3 Body Problem) joined industry experts to select the five nominees for the EE Rising Star Award.
Celebrating 21 years of highlighting exceptional talent, the EE Rising Star Award remains the only BAFTA category voted for by the British public, offering audiences across the UK the chance to shape the future of cinema. Past winners include Mia McKenna-Bruce, Lashana Lynch, Letitia Wright, James McAvoy, Kristen Stewart, Tom Hardy, and most recently, David Jonsson.
Jury Panel and Selection Process
The nomination panel was chaired by Anna Higgs, member of the BAFTA Film Committee, alongside director Raine Allen Miller (Rye Lane, The Roots Manoeuvre) and casting director Aisha Bywaters (Dreamers, We Are Lady Parts). The group convened at The Savoy, the official hotel partner of the EE BAFTA Film Awards, to debate the longlist and select the final five nominees.
This year, EE is making it easier than ever for the public to vote, via their official website, WhatsApp, and EE’s social media channels. Voting opens on 14 January 2026, with the winner revealed at the ceremony on Sunday 22 February 2026 in London.
Joe Alwyn shared:
“It’s such a privilege to be part of the EE Rising Star Award jury this year. It’s been an impressive year for film and television, and the level of talent out there today is truly inspiring. I know firsthand how transformative this kind of recognition can be.”
Sheila Atim added:
“The EE Rising Star Award recognises the journey, not just a single milestone. It’s a celebration of potential, creative courage, and all the work still ahead.”
Benedict Wong said:
“Collaboration is at the heart of our industry, and it was a joy to work alongside BAFTA and EE to support the future of our craft.”
EE and BAFTA: Championing Emerging Talent
Through its partnership with BAFTA, EE continues to spotlight the next generation of actors. Beyond the EE Rising Star Award, EE also runs initiatives like Set The Stage, offering young people hands-on access to the creative industries. As Anna Higgs noted, the award shines a light on trailblazing performers whose work has already made a remarkable impact.
Kelly Engstrom, Brand & Marketing Communications Director at EE and Plusnet, said:
“With the power of the EE network, voting will be easier than ever, providing real opportunities, real access, and real inspiration for young people across the UK.”
The award honours the late Mary Selway, a BAFTA-winning casting director whose career spanned over 36 years, collaborating with directors such as Steven Spielberg and Clint Eastwood. Selway received BAFTA’s Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award in 2001 for her work shaping some of the silver screen’s most memorable characters.
Key Dates for the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards
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14 January 2026 – EE Rising Star Award nominations announced and public voting opens (ee.co.uk/BAFTA)
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27 January 2026 – All BAFTA film nominations revealed
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22 February 2026 – Winners announced at the EE BAFTA Film Awards in London
EE has been a long-standing partner of BAFTA, using its award-winning network to bring audiences closer to the red-carpet action and provide unique opportunities for fans to engage with film.
For more details on the EE BAFTA Film Awards and the EE Rising Star Award, visit EE BAFTA.
