BAFTA 2013 Rising Star Award: nominees announced

Nominees for the 2013 EE BAFTA Rising Star Award have been announced, showcasing five of 2012’s hottest young stars: Elizabeth Olsen, Andrea Riseborough, Suraj Sharma, Juno Temple and Alicia Vikander.

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The award, which as the name suggests has a knack for identifying the big names of tomorrow, is the only award at the BAFTAs to be voted for by the public.

Previous winners include James McAvoy, Eva Green, and Tom Hardy.

“Being considered for this award is a huge honour,” said ‘Martha Marcy May Marlene’ star Elizabeth Olsen, “So many actors whom I admire have been recognised in this category and I'm very thankful to BAFTA and the jury for selecting me."

Andrea Riseborough, whose credits include ‘Never Let Me Go’ and ‘Brighton Rock’ commented: "To even be counted amongst this, and the last seven years' rising star nominees feels utterly phenomenal!”

Perhaps the most satisfying nod though is Suraj Sharma, who with no previous acting experience wowed audiences with a flawless debut in ‘Life Of Pi’ - leading director Ang Lee to describe the 19 year-old as “a gift from God”.

The shortlist, picked by a jury including Benedict Cumberbatch and Mark Kermode, will now be open to a public vote. The process was criticised last year though, after “where are they now?” candidate Adam Deacon pipped Hollywood stars Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston to the gong thanks to a twitter campaign.

The winner of the 2013 EE BAFTA Rising Star Award will be announced at the British Academy Film Awards on Sunday 10 February.