The British Academy has unveiled the nominees for its 2026 Rising Star award, recognising up-and-coming talent on the big screen. This year's five-strong lineup features a mix of British and American actors, including Chase Infiniti, Archie Madekwe, Miles Caton, Robert Aramayo and Posy Sterling.
The winner, to be announced during the Bafta Film Awards ceremony, is the only honour voted on by the public. Infiniti and Aramayo are the only nominees also longlisted by Bafta in lead performance categories. Aramayo, known for his role in Amazon's 'The Rings of Power', won best leading actor at the British Independent Film Awards in December, while Sterling claimed the breakthrough performance honour.
Since its launch in 2005, the Rising Star award has been won by a British actor every year since 2010, with only three non-UK winners. Previous recipients include Tom Holland, Daniel Kaluuya, Emma Mackey, Will Poulter and Kristen Stewart, the last American to win in 2009.
The full Bafta Film Award nominations will be announced on 27 January, with winners revealed at the ceremony on 22 February at London's Royal Festival Hall.
