David Jonsson Wins EE BAFTA Rising Star Award

David Jonsson has been awarded the EE BAFTA Rising Star Award at the 2025 BAFTA Film Awards. The ceremony took place on Sunday, February 16th, 2025, at the Royal Festival Hall in London’s Southbank Centre.

Jonsson’s Reaction

Upon receiving the award, Jonsson, a 31-year-old actor, expressed his surprise and gratitude. “I’ve got to be honest, this isn’t why I do it, you know what I mean? I’m just an East London boy who by way of reflection didn’t really see a space for me in this industry.”

He dedicated the award to “the people, the dreamers, grafters and the people just trying to do it a little bit different.” He added, “as long as we keep telling stories about people I think there’ll be a space for me and people like me and you and everyone watching at home.”

Jonsson’s Notable Roles

Jonsson’s recent work includes a role in the film Alien: Romulus, as well as the TV series Industry and the 2023 romantic comedy Rye Lane. He has also appeared in the BBC adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Murder is Easy. Future projects include the dystopian horror film The Long Walk, the drama Wasteman, and Scandalous, where he is set to play Sammy Davis Jr. in Colman Domingo’s directorial debut.

The Rising Star Award

The EE Rising Star Award, celebrating its 20th year, is the only category at the BAFTA Film Awards decided by a public vote. The nominees were chosen by a panel of industry specialists, including former winners Letitia Wright and Mia McKenna-Bruce, alongside Will Sharpe, casting director Aisha Bywaters, film producer Marc Samuelson and director Yann Demange.

Previous winners include Bukky Bakray, Micheal Ward, Kristen Stewart, Daniel Kaluuya, John Boyega, and Tom Hardy. James McAvoy and Letitia Wright, also previous winners, presented the award at the ceremony.

The Significance of the Award

Mia McKenna-Bruce highlighted the importance of the award, stating, “It gives people the chance to be recognized for their work early on, and I think that’s such an important thing in this industry. It’s really gotten me in rooms or discussions I may not have been in previously.”

Prince William’s Message

The Prince of Wales, president of BAFTA, introduced the category with a video message, noting the award’s 20th anniversary and its role in championing rising talent. He said, “Judging by the international success of the previous nominees and winners of this award, I am certain we will be seeing much more of their work over the next 20 years and beyond.”

Prince William was not in attendance this year, reportedly due to being on a family holiday.

Mary Selway

The award is given in memory of Mary Selway, a British casting director known for her work on films such as Raiders of the Lost Ark and Love Actually. According to Higgs, Selway was known for her ability to spot emerging talent and nurture them. James McAvoy, upon winning the award in 2006, praised Selway’s dedication to nurturing talent.

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