EE BAFTA Rising Star Award: Phoebe Dynevor, Sophie Wilde and Mia McKenna-Bruce on being 2024 nominees

On an ice-cold morning in January, we had the pleasure of attending the announcement of the 2024 EE Rising Star Award nominees, ahead of this year’s BAFTAs, in the grandiose surroundings of the Savoy Hotel.

Now in its 19^th year, the award, created in honour of the late casting director Mary Selway, has long provided a platform for championing emerging talent, with the likes of James McAvoy, Kristen Stewart, John Boyega and Emma Mackey being previous winners. This year, actor and producer Stephen Graham unveiled the shortlist, while film critic Ali Plumb hosted a Q&A with those able to attend. In contention for this year’s accolade are Phoebe Dynevor, of Bridgerton fame, for her role in Fair Play, Ayo Edebiri, whose role in The Bear opposite Jeremy Allen White put her on the world’s radar, for her role in Bottoms, Mia McKenna-Bruce, whose part in How to Have Sex has already seen acclaim aplenty, and fellow Aussies, Jacob Elordi, for his posh Brit character in the provocative Saltburn and Sophie Wilde for last year’s most terrifying horror, Talk to Me.

The nominees were selected by a panel of industry jurors including actors Daisy Edgar-Jones, Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù and Himesh Patel, as well as a host of celebrated casting directors, producers, and industry experts. The award is the only one at the EE BAFTA Film Awards voted for by the British public. Voting is now open at ee.co.uk/BAFTA until midday 16^th February 2024 and the winner will be announced on Sunday 18^th February 2024 at the EE BAFTA Film Awards ceremony, aired on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

The Upcoming has the chance to hear from the nominees, including Dynevor, who shared her astonishment and honour to be nominated, reflecting on the intense challenges and research for her role in Fair Play. She discussed the film’s themes of modern feminism and toxic masculinity, and the importance of the female perspective. She also touched upon the cultural impact of Bridgerton, its escapist quality, and the novel focus on female pleasure. Looking forward, Dynevor is excited about her upcoming antagonist role and feels positive about the representation of women in cinema. She aspires to work with influential figures like Meryl Streep and Greta Gerwig.

Wilde also shared her excitement about her nomination and reflected on her role in Talk to Me, including the film’s blend of drama and horror, the themes it explores, such as social pressure and mental health, and the joy of working with its directors. We also chatted about her upcoming projects, including A24 feature Baby Doll, alongside Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson, and how the Aussie film industry is having a moment.

Mia McKenna-Bruce then further expressed her astonishment at her nomination plus the unexpected success of How to Have Sex. We discussed the importance of female-led stories, the authenticity and impact of her role as Tara, and her admiration for Kate Winslet’s genuine approach to acting.

Sarah Bradbury
Image: Tom Dymond

Voting for the EE Rising Star Award is now at ee.co.uk/BAFTA until midday 16^th February 2024. The winner will be announced on Sunday 18^th February 2024 at the EE BAFTA Film Awards ceremony.