Wednesday, January 7, 2015

The five nominees for the EE Rising Star Award announced


In this image released by Universal Pictures, director Angelina Jolie, from left, speaks with actors Jack O'Connell, Domhnall Gleeson and Finn Witrock on the set of "Unbroken." (AP Photo/Universal Pictures, David James)


24-year-old actor Jack O'Connell, who famously prompted Angelina Jolie to use the phrase "Ay up me duck", is among the figures to be nominated for a prize recognising major stars of the future at next month's film Baftas.


Jack, who stars in the Jolie-directed film Unbroken, is one of five nominees for the EE Rising Star Award which will be presented at the movie ceremony.


Also in the running are Gugu Mbatha-Raw, who starred in last year's period drama Belle as a mixed-race aristocrat, and Margot Robbie ,who first found fame playing Donna Freedman in TV soap Neighbours and has gone on to appear in The Wolf Of Wall Street.


Completing the list are Miles Teller, who has recently appeared in Whiplash, and his Divergent co-star Shailene Woodley, who has also appeared in The Descendants.


O'Connell established his career in Channel 4 series Skins and found further attention appearing in last year's film 71, set during the Troubles in Belfast. The Derby actor is soon to be seen in Tulip Fever, and Jolie, his director for Unbroken, caused a stir in November when she introduced him at a Hollywood awards event by using the East Midlands expression "Ay up me duck".


He said of his nomination: "I'm honoured to be considered for the EE Rising Star Award amongst such a talented field - especially for films which I feel incredibly fortunate to have been a part of."


Mbatha-Raw landed her first major role four years ago in the film Larry Crowne and went on to find acclaim in Belle, for which she earned a best actress nomination at the British Independent Film Awards, and has also appeared in Spooks, Doctor Who and on stage as Ophelia opposite Jude Law's Hamlet.


She said: "It is such an honour to be recognised for a growing body of work and I am proud and excited to be included."


The nominees for the Rising Star Award - which recognises screen talents tipped for bright futures - were chosen by a panel which included actress Alice Eve, director Dexter Fletcher and casting director Nina Gold. It will now be put to a public vote with the winner announced at the Baftas on Sunday February 8.


Pippa Harris, EE Rising Star Award jury chairwoman, said: "It's a truly special award as it gives the British public a voice in the voting process, and this year's line-up is sure to be a close race to the finish."


The public can now vote at ee.co.uk/bafta.



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