Nominations for the BAFTA upcoming EE Rising Star Award are in.
And it’s a pretty impressive line-up.
Daniel Kaluuya, Josh O’Connor, Florence Pugh, Timothée Chalamet and Tessa Thompson make up the five breakout stars nominated for this year’s BAFTA EE Rising Star Award. And it’s a big year for the Brits – making up three of the five shortlisted actors.
But who are they, and where have you seen them before?
Here’s what we know about the Rising Star Award nominees:
Daniel Kaluuya
He’s widely known for his role in the 2017 horror film Get Out, which was widely praised by critics and even earned him Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award nominations. But the 28-year-old Londoner has starred in plenty of other projects, too including Welcome to the Punch, Sicario and Johnny English Reborn, as well as a role in Marvel’s upcoming Black Panther.
“I’m honoured and grateful to Bafta and the jury for the nomination,” he said. “And can’t wait to celebrate it in my home city.”
Josh O’Connor
His role in Gods Own Country was lauded by critics, but Josh O’Connor has also starred in the likes of Peaky Blinders, Ripper Street and The Durrells, not to mention a small role in the recent Disney live-action adaptation of Cinderella.
“It was such a special experience making God’s Own Country,” he said. “And I don’t think any of us working on the Yorkshire Moors filming this intimate story expected the incredible journey it has been on in the past year.”
Florence Pugh
Known for her role as Katherine in Lady Macbeth, 21-year-old Florence Pugh already has a rather impressive resumé. She received widespread critical praise for her breakout role in the 2014 flick The Falling, and is due to star alongside Liam Neeson in The Commuter as well as landing the role of Cordelia in the TV movie, King Lear.
“The journey to get to this rewarding moment has been exhilarating, and so to feel recognition for doing something I love and the hard work many have put in feels very touching,” she said. “It’s a very proud moment indeed.”
Timothée Chalamet
Call Me By Your Name has already received widespread critical acclaim, and Timothée Chalamet’s role in the 2017 drama is just the latest in a string of excellent movie roles. He appeared in the 2014 Chritstopher Nolan flick, Interstellar as well as landing a regular role on the hit American TV show, Homeland. Not to mention, he’s about to star in the critically-praised awards contender, Lady Bird.
“Call Me By Your Name came out in the UK prior to the US,” he said. “And British audiences embraced the film in a uniquely strong and passionate way. I feel an enduring sense of gratitude seeing this response echoed around the world, and for being included in this category.”
Tessa Thompson
After appearing in Thor: Ragnarok as Valkyrie, Tessa Thomspon is becoming more of a household name. But aside from her rather awesome role in the Marvel blockbuster, she’s been in some pretty hard-hitting dramas, too including Creed and Selma.
“I am honoured to be chosen by Bafta and the jury as a candidate for the EE Rising Star Award,” she said, adding: “It means so much that my work has been embraced in the UK and that I get to share this recognition with so many wonderfully talented actors.”
