Nominations for the inaugural Orange Rising Star award at the fast-approaching BAFTAs have been announced. The award, in memory of legendary casting director Mary Selway, replaces the Orange Film of the Year prize and celebrates a young performer who "has already begun to capture the imagination of the British public as a film star in the making." Nominees were selected by a jury panel including Cate Blanchett and Sir Alan Parker. Rather than being nominated for one particular film, a list of recent performances is given alongside the actor: Hot stuff Gael Garcia Bernal is nominated for his turns in The King, The Motorcycle Diaries, Bad Education and Dreaming Of Julia. Michelle Williams gets a nod for Brokeback Mountain, The Baxter, Land of Plenty and Imaginary Heroes. Mean Girls favourite Rachel McAdams for The Family Stone, Red Eye, Wedding Crashers and The Notebook. James McAvoy for The Chronicles of Narnia, Macbeth, Inside I’m Dancing, Wimbledon and Chiwetel Ejiofor for Serenity, Kinky Boots, Four Brothers, Melinda and Melinda. To find out how to vote for your favourite and win a posh VIP evening at the BAFTAs head here.

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Michelle Williams
Post your comments on this article ... Read More Deborah Mason About me
16:40, 11 January 2006 | Report This Post
James McAvoy to steal it!
From his quiet turn in Band of Brothers to his brilliant turn in Inside I'm Dancing, I've been watching this lad. I hope he runs off with it as Chewie and Bernal are too obvious. ... Read More Paxton About me
09:57, 11 January 2006 | Report This Post
Go James!!!
Everyone who is nominated definately deserves a nomination, but I think that James McAvoy should win. From his portrayal of Steve in Shameless to the desperate gossip writer in Bright Young Things, James has excersised his talents and shown all us what he can do. Aside from being a talented acrobat, fire-eater and wrestler, he is an amazing young actor and deserves and award for all his hard work. GO JAMES!!! ... Read More lauren_deltoro About me
09:54, 11 January 2006 | Report This Post
James McAvoy rocks!
Although Narnia disappointed me, it's great to see McAvoy getting recognised more after being so brilliant in Shameless... ... Read More BadWolf90 About me
21:12, 10 January 2006 | Report This Post
When are the BAFTAS nominated in full? ... Read More Jacks User ID About me
18:50, 10 January 2006 | Report This Post
RE:
I think Gael Garcia Bernal and Chewitel Ejiofor will battle it out. Ejiofor was brilliant in Serenity and then funny in Kinky Boots, so maybe the contrasting roles will help him out. ... Read More doubleshiny About me
17:26, 10 January 2006 | Report This Post
i saw michelle williams in station agent recently. an oddly not-boring movie, all very subtle performances, nothing to go mad over. 'cept pete dinklage, hes pretty good. ... Read More billythehick About me
15:49, 10 January 2006 | Report This Post
Gael! Gael! Gael!
About time Gael Garcia Bernal was recognised!! He was incredible in 'The Motorcycle Diaries'!! Plus he's got variety.. ... Read More Bella Very About me
15:15, 10 January 2006 | Report This Post
Chiwetel Ejiofor better win as he was a superb baddie in Serenity, one of the coolest in years. "This is a good death" i mean, c'mon! ... Read More d threadgold About me
14:37, 10 January 2006 | Report This Post
Ehhh
Ehhhh is it just me or are a lot of these anything but "rising stars"? Rachel McAdams? Michelle Williams! Eh, risen moreso than rising! ... Read More theram05 About me
14:32, 10 January 2006 | Report This Post
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