The awards season has commenced, with a significant highlight being the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Film Awards scheduled for Sunday. The BAFTAs are distinguished by their emphasis on British cinema, which differentiates them from their American equivalent, the Oscars. Among the various accolades presented, the Rising Star Award stands out as it is specifically designed to spotlight the future talent within the industry.

What is the Rising Star Award?

The BAFTA Rising Star award is designed to recognize emerging acting talent that has demonstrated remarkable skill in their craft and has left a significant impression on audiences. Notable past recipients include Kristen Stewart, Daniel Kaluuya, and Tom Holland, who have all achieved considerable success in their careers.

This year's nominees consist of Marisa Abela, Jharrel Jerome, David Jonsson, Mikey Madison, and Nabhaan Rizwan, each of whom has garnered attention for their performances in theater, film, and television. Let us take a moment to learn more about these talented individuals.

Marisa Abela

Marisa initially garnered attention in HBO's intense financial drama, Industry, a topic that will be revisited later in this article. Abela portrays Yasmin Kara-Hanani, a privileged individual striving to establish her value in the ruthless realm of investment banking. Her performance in the first season was remarkable, and she further refined her acting abilities in the following seasons, swiftly emerging as one of the standout talents of the series. Her significant breakthrough in film occurred in 2024 when she secured the prestigious role of the iconic and tragic Amy Winehouse in the biopic, Back to Black.

Jharrel Jerome

The initial American nominee on this list, Jharrel, commenced his career in 2016 with a role as the teenage version of Kevin in Barry Jenkins’ acclaimed film Moonlight. Since that time, he has maintained a steady presence in both film and television, achieving significant recognition for his performance in Netflix’s When They See Us, where he portrayed one of the exonerated members of the Central Park Five. Known for his subtle and authentic acting style, Jerome is currently featured in Amazon’s Unstoppable, playing Anthony Robles, the real-life wrestler who triumphed as a NCAA Division 1 champion despite being born with a single leg.

Mikey Madison

Mikey Madison appears to be the leading contender in this competition. Her remarkable portrayal of the main character in Anora has earned her a nomination for Best Actress at the Oscars, contributing to the film's total of six nominations, which also includes Best Picture. Madison's career commenced on television, where she played Max, the eldest daughter in Pamela Adlon’s acclaimed series Better Things. Throughout five seasons, viewers witnessed her transformation from a rebellious teenager into a self-assured adult. Now, she stands a significant chance of securing the prestigious Oscar at such an early stage in her career.

David Jonsson

David Jonsson commenced his professional journey on the British stage before swiftly moving to television, notably appearing in HBO’s Industry alongside Marisa Abela, where he portrayed Gus Sackey, an intern who abandons a path in investment banking after discovering the body of a fellow intern who died by suicide. In 2022, Jonsson showcased his talent as a lovesick romantic in the delightful film Rye Lane and made his Hollywood debut this year in the latest installment of the Alien franchise, titled Alien: Romulus. He is a nuanced actor with expressive eyes, marking him as a talent to keep an eye on.

Nabhaan Rizwan

Nabhaan Rizwan, a British actor of Pakistani descent, is noteworthy for his connections to Bollywood. His mother appeared in the popular television series Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, produced by Ekta Kapoor. Rizwan began his career with minor roles in television before securing a significant part in Industry, where he portrayed Hari Dhar, an intern overwhelmed by the demands of investment banking, ultimately leading to his tragic demise. Additionally, he delivered a poignant performance in the television adaptation of Station Eleven, where he raps to A Tribe Called Quest’s Excursions in a striking moment. Most recently, he embodied the character of Dionysus, the son of Zeus, in Netflix’s Kaos, bringing Greek mythology to the screen.

The BAFTA Rising Star Award serves as a predictive indicator for the future luminaries of the film industry. Annually, it highlights emerging talent, often leading to their prominence in major cinematic productions. The identity of this year's recipient will be revealed on Sunday; however, irrespective of the winner, all nominees are poised to significantly influence the future landscape of cinema.

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