The shortlist for one of the British film industry's most coveted honours, the Bafta EE Rising Star Award, has been officially unveiled, spotlighting five exceptional actors poised for stardom.
Meet the 2026 Rising Star Nominees
Leading the nominations is Chase Infiniti, acclaimed for his role in the upcoming film One Battle After Another. He is joined on the prestigious shortlist by fellow talents Archie Madekwe, Miles Caton, Posy Sterling, and Robert Aramayo. This award is unique within the Bafta Film Awards as it is the sole category decided not by industry juries, but by the public vote.
The nominees were selected by a distinguished panel of industry experts, which this year included renowned actors Joe Alwyn and Benedict Wong. Upon hearing the news, nominees Infiniti, Caton, and Aramayo each expressed their profound gratitude and honour at being recognised for the accolade.
How to Vote for Your Favourite
Public voting for the award is now live on the official EE website. Film fans across the UK have the opportunity to shape the outcome, with the voting window set to close at 12pm on 20 February 2026.
The winner will be announced in front of a global audience during the 2026 EE Bafta Film Awards ceremony. The event, to be hosted by the celebrated actor and presenter Alan Cumming, will be broadcast nationally on BBC One and iPlayer.
A Launchpad for Talent
The EE Rising Star Award has a storied history of identifying actors on the brink of major international success. Previous winners have seen their careers skyrocket, making this nomination a significant milestone for each of the five shortlisted artists. The award not only celebrates their current achievements but also signals their potential to become defining figures in cinema for years to come.
With the power firmly in the hands of the public, the coming weeks will see campaigns and discussions as supporters rally behind their chosen nominee. All eyes will now be on the EE website as the countdown to the 20 February deadline begins.
