Today (3 March) the nominees for the EE Rising Star Award, were announced via a virtual event hosted by BAFTA Chief-Executive Amanda Berry OBE and film broadcaster Edith Bowman. The five nominees are: Bukky Bakray, Conrad Khan, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Morfydd Clark and Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù.
Speaking of this year’s shortlist, Edith Bowman said; “I am always astonished by the calibre of talent which are presented every year, and the five shortlisted nominees for 2021 are no exception, with their breath-taking ability to tell stories and transform into a character who the audience trust and believe in.”
Bukky is nominated for her debut lead performance in Rocks, directed by Sarah Gavron, which explores girlhood and friendship in London. Alongside her nomination for the EE Rising Star Award, she has received nominations from the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) and London Critics Circle.
Conrad has received his nomination for his role as Tyler in County Lines, responding to the UK drug trade, and was recently cast in the final series of Peaky Blinders alongside Cillian Murphy and Paul Anderson.
Kingsley is nominated for his turn as Malcolm X in Regina’s King’s directorial debut film One Night in Miami, which has received three Golden Globe nominations. His television credits include the Hulu series High Fidelity, cult Netflix hit The OA and Peaky Blinders.
Morfydd has been singled out for her role in psychological horror Saint Maud and is currently filming a lead role in Amazon’s The Lord of the Rings.
Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù is acknowledged for his performance in Netflix horror His House, exploring the UK’s hostility towards migrants, asylum-seekers and refugees. He has also appeared in Sky Atlantic’s Gangs of London, Humans and Black Mirror.
Voting is now open and the winner will be announced at the EE BAFTA Film Awards on Sunday 11 April on BBC One.
Want to have your say? Cast your vote here.
