Jamie Laing, aged 37, and his wife Sophie Habboo, 31, savoured a precious evening away from their parental responsibilities on Wednesday night, attending the exclusive EE BAFTA Rising Star celebration held at La Mome in London. The couple, who welcomed their first child together, son Ziggy, in December last year, embraced this rare opportunity to step out into the spotlight, radiating affection and style at the star-studded gathering.
A Stylish Couple Makes an Entrance
Jamie Laing cut a distinctly stylish figure, opting for a sophisticated dark grey suit paired with a simple black T-shirt. Upon arrival, he warmly wrapped an arm around his stunning wife, Sophie, who looked absolutely breathtaking in a chic little black dress. Her ensemble featured a daring plunging V-neckline, an elegant off-the-shoulder design, and a ruched mini skirt that showcased her figure perfectly.
Sophie's Fashion Statement
Sophie Habboo expertly flaunted her long legs by teaming the dress with semi-sheer black tights and elevating her look with a pair of mesh pointed heels. The mother-of-one completed her outfit with a mini black clutch, carrying her essentials as she struck a series of sultry and confident poses ahead of the main event. The couple, clearly more than loved-up, smiled broadly for photographers, capturing their joyful evening.
The EE BAFTA Rising Star Award Nominees
The event served to highlight the nominees for the prestigious 2026 EE BAFTA Rising Star Award, a recognition often seen as a significant pathway to A-list success in the film industry. Previous illustrious winners include Tom Holland, James McAvoy, Tom Hardy, Lashana Lynch, and Kristen Stewart, underscoring the award's importance.
The nominees, revealed last month, are Archie Madekwe for Lurker, Chase Infiniti for One Battle After Another, Miles Caton for Sinners, Posy Sterling for Lollipop, and Robert Aramayo for I Swear. The event was gracefully hosted by 2024 EE Rising Star Award winner Mia McKenna-Bruce, alongside film critic and radio presenter Ali Plumb.
Nominee Reactions and Stories
The nominees were selected by a distinguished panel of industry jurors, including actors Joe Alwyn, Sheila Atim, and Benedict Wong, among other esteemed experts. Posy Sterling, who starred in the acclaimed British drama Lollipop, shared an amusing anecdote about discovering her nomination while climbing a mountain with friends.
"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?'" recalled the 33-year-old star. "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 Aramayo, who played the lead role in I Swear, based on the true story of Tourette's syndrome campaigner John Davidson, described his parents' emotional reaction. "I told my parents. There was a lot of crying and jumping, it was quite intense," said the 33-year-old actor. 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."
Voting Details and Ceremony Information
The EE Rising Star Award holds the unique distinction of being the only prize at the EE BAFTA Film Awards that is voted for by the British public. Voting is currently open at ee.co.uk/BAFTA, via WhatsApp, and across EE's social media platforms, with the deadline set for Friday, February 20. The winner will be officially announced on Sunday, February 22, during the EE BAFTA Film Awards ceremony, which will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Full List of BAFTA Film Award Nominations for 2026
The event also spotlighted the broader nominations for the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2026. One Battle After Another leads with an impressive 14 nominations, including one for lead star Leonardo DiCaprio. Other notable categories include Best Film, with contenders such as Hamnet, Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, Sentimental Value, and Sinners. Outstanding British Film nominations feature titles like 28 Years Later, The Ballad of Wallis Island, and Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy.
In the directing category, nominees include Bugonia, Hamnet, Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, Sentimental Value, and Sinners. The acting categories boast stars such as Jessie Buckley, Rose Byrne, Timothée Chalamet, and Michael B. Jordan, among others. Hamnet has made history by breaking the record for the most nominations for a female-directed film in BAFTA's prestigious history.
Additional categories encompass Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer; Film Not in the English Language; Documentary; Animated Film; and various technical awards like Cinematography, Editing, Costume Design, and Special Visual Effects. The British Short Animation and British Short Film categories also highlight emerging talent, rounding out a comprehensive celebration of cinematic achievement.
