2013 was the breakout year for Kenyan born actress Lupita Nyong’o. But 2014 might be that year when she gets to reap the rewards of her work. Lupita is going from strength to strength as she gets recognized as one of the best actresses across the globe. She has once again been nominated for an award; EE Bafta Rising Star award for her role in 12 Years A Slave.
She is joined on the nomination list by Blue is the Warmest Colour actress Lea Seydoux and Sunshine on Leith star George MacKay.Will Poulter from We’re the Millers and Narnia film The Voyage of the Dawn Treader and Kill Your Darlings actor Dane DeHaan complete the list.
The shortlist was chosen by a panel of jurors including actress Gemma Arterton, deputy chair of Bafta’s film committee Pippa Harris and film critic Mark Kermode.
Previous winners of the award, which started in 2006, include James McAvoy, Kristen Stewart and Shia LaBeouf, with Juno Temple picking up last year’s gong. The awards are not strictly for newcomers and can go to actors who already have a track record of several films.
You can cast your vote for Lupita here. Voting ends on 14th February 2014.
The winner of the EE Bafta Rising Star award will be announced at the Baftas which take place on Sunday 16 February 2014.