BAFTA reveals Rising Star contenders list
Radio DJ and TV presenter Edith Bowman and actors Bukky Bakray, Ariana DeBose, Harris Dickinson and BAFTA Chair Krishnendu Majumdar attend the EE Rising Star Award nominee announcement at BAFTA Piccadilly in London, Britain, Feb. 1, 2022. (Reuters Photo)


The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Film Awards announced the contenders for its EE Rising Star Award, which acknowledges new talent in the acting industry, on Tuesday. Among the nominees are "James Bond" star Lashana Lynch and "West Side Story" Golden Globe winner Ariana DeBose.

At 18 years old, American actress Millicent Simmonds, who is deaf, is the youngest of the nominees. She is best known for starring in the "A Quiet Place" horror films.

The list of five contenders also includes British actor Harris Dickinson, most recently seen in "The King's Man," and Australian actor Kodi Smit-McPhee, known for Oscar-tipped Western "The Power of the Dog" as well as the more recent "X-Men" films.

London-born Lynch was catapulted into the global spotlight last year as 007 agent Nomi in the latest James Bond film "No Time To Die." She previously starred in "Captain Marvel."

American actress DeBose won best supporting actress for her role in Steven Spielberg's critically acclaimed "West Side Story" remake at last month's Golden Globes.

The BAFTA Film Awards ceremony will take place on March 13 in London. The full list of nominations will be announced on Thursday.