Bafta announces 2026 Rising Star Award nominees

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (Bafta) has revealed the nominees for its prestigious Rising Star Award, spotlighting five emerging actors whose performances have drawn critical acclaim. The 2026 shortlist includes three British talents and two Americans: Robert Aramayo, Archie Madekwe, Posy Sterling, Miles Caton, and Chase Infiniti. The award, which is the only Bafta film prize decided by a public vote, has previously recognized notable winners like James McAvoy, John Boyega, and Emma Mackey.

Robert Aramayo, from Hull, earned his nomination for portraying a young man with Tourette’s syndrome in the 1980s drama “I Swear.” Trained at Juilliard, Aramayo first gained attention as a young Ned Stark in *Game of Thrones*. Miles Caton, a 20-year-old New Yorker and former gospel singer, received praise for his role in *Sinners*, marking his transition from music to acting. Chase Infiniti, 25, starred alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in *One Battle After Another*, after notable work in *Presumed Innocent*.

Archie Madekwe impressed audiences in *Lurker*, playing a pop star blackmailed by a fan, while Manchester-born Posy Sterling gained recognition for her emotional performance in *Lollipop* as a single mother fighting for custody. The Bafta Film Awards ceremony will take place at London’s Royal Festival Hall on 22 February 2026 and will be hosted by Alan Cumming, broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer.