Ugandan-born British actress nominated for BAFTA Rising Star Award

The British Academy Film Awards announced on Tuesday (January 17) the nominees for this year’s prestigious EE BAFTA Rising Star Award.

The panel included dozens of casting directors, producers and experts, as well as industry judges, and four actresses and one actor were shortlisted.

The list was announced at a press conference at the Savoy Hotel in London.

Ugandan-born British actress Sheila Atim, who starred in the historical epic The Woman King, was nominated.

“I love this award, so it’s really great. I think it’s a really special award. I think everyone feels that. I think that’s why we celebrate people who have been awarded .. those who were transplanted early in their careers and are making waves, who have the potential to make a difference,” she explained.

“I think it’s great. I think it’s going to be a real motivator for other people who might be entering this industry. It’s also a great reminder for those who are more experienced in the industry, perhaps to remind them of the times they were in. So I think this award will do a lot for the industry.”

Naomi Ackie with credits. “Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker” and “Small Axe” currently top the UK box office charts alongside “Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody”. While she was “overjoyed” about her own nomination, she confessed that walking the red carpet as her nominee in February was no easy task.

“The red carpet makes me really nervous, but I. She goes to the party afterwards. It feels a little different this time, but I think the same thing will happen. Once I’ve sat down and enjoyed the show, I’m going to the party.”

Sheila Atim played the Dahomey fighter Amenza in “The Woman King,” co-produced by Golden Globe-winning actress Viola Davis.

Naomi Ackie is the latest biopic dedicated to American singer and global superstar Whitney Houston.

The EE BAFTA Rising Star Award winners will be announced on February 19th. Now in his 18th year, the Rising Star Award is the only BAFTA award voted for by the British public. Voting window is open.