Emma Mackey | Photo Credit: Sarah Meyssonnier
Emma Mackey and Aimee Lou Wood, who rose to fame on the hit Netflix show “Sex Education”, and historical epic “The Woman King” actor Sheila Atim are among the nominees in the rising star category at the BAFTA Film Awards.
The list of five contenders revealed on Tuesday also features Naomi Ackie, who portrayed late music star Whitney Houston in the biopic “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” and “Good Luck to You, Leo Grande” actor Daryl McCormack. He is the only male nominee.
Mackey and Wood play close friends in the Netflix comedy-drama about teenagers trying to figure out their love lives. Wood, who has previously won a BAFTA TV award for Female Performance in a Comedy Program for “Sex Education”, was recognized on Tuesday for her role in the drama “Living”.
Emma Mackey and Aimee Lou Wood in ‘Sex Education’
Mackey was nominated for her portrayal of “Wurthering Heights” novelist Emily Bronte in the biographical drama “Emily”.
The EE Rising Star Award is the only category voted for by the public at the annual British Academy of Film and Television Arts Film Awards, which this year will take place on Feb. 19 in London.
Past winners include Atim’s “The Woman King” co-star Lashana Lynch, Tom Hardy, Kristen Stewart and Oscar winner Daniel Kaluuya.
The full list of nominations for the 2023 BAFTAs, which will be hosted by actor Richard E. Grant, will be announced on Thursday.