Chase Infiniti Stars Archie Madekwe and Miles Caton Shine
The British Academy has unveiled the nominees for the 2026 Rising Star Award, honoring promising talent in film. This year’s selection includes a diverse group of both British and American actors, continuing its tradition of spotlighting emerging talent.
2026 Rising Star Award Nominees
The public will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite nominee, with the winner announced during the BAFTA Film Awards. The five nominees are:
- Chase Infiniti – “One Battle After Another”
- Miles Caton – “Sinners”
- Archie Madekwe – “Lurker”
- Robert Aramayo – “I Swear”
- Posy Sterling – “Lollipop”
Notable Achievements
Chase Infiniti and Miles Caton have gained significant recognition with numerous awards nominations for their standout performances. Robert Aramayo, known for his role in Amazon’s “The Rings of Power,” won the Best Leading Actor award at the British Independent Film Awards in December. Posy Sterling was recognized for her breakthrough performance in the same ceremony.
It’s noteworthy that both Infiniti and Aramayo appear on the BAFTA longlist for lead performances, showcasing their rising status in the film industry.
A Look Back at the Rising Star Award
Since its inception in 2005, the Rising Star Award has predominantly recognized British actors, with only three winners hailing from outside the U.K. The award has been presented to notable figures such as Tom Holland and Daniel Kaluuya. The last American winner, Kristen Stewart, received the honor in 2009.
Previous Winners and Nominees
Throughout its history, the award has celebrated a host of talented individuals, including:
- Jack O’Connell (2014) – Currently acclaimed for “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple”
- Mia McKenna-Bruce (2024) – Leading “Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials”
- David Jonsson (2025) – Starred in “Wasteman” and acclaimed for “The Long Walk”
Noteworthy past nominees include Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, and Timothée Chalamet, with many of these actors positioned to compete for top awards at both the Oscars and BAFTAs this year.
Upcoming Dates
The complete list of BAFTA Film Award nominations will be announced on January 27. The winners will be revealed at the awards ceremony on February 22, held at London’s Royal Festival Hall.
