A trio of stars have been added to the BAFTA EE Rising Star Award panel to select the 2025 shortlist.

Actors and former EE Rising Star Award winners, Letitia Wright, Mia McKenna-Bruce and Will Sharpe have joined the roster, alongside a line-up of industry experts, who have already gathered digitally to debate the merits of the emerging talent longlist.

This is the 20th year the award has been given, with past winners including James McAvoy, Eva Green, Juno Temple, Tom Hardy, Kristen Stewart, Jack O'Connell, Will Poulter, John Boyega, and Tom Holland.

The jury passionately deliberated over which five will go head-to-head in the public vote ahead of the 2025 BAFTAs.

Following public voting, the winner will be revealed at the ceremony on Sunday, February 16, 2025.

Speaking about the role, Letitia said: 'As someone who's been in their shoes, it's an absolute joy to help select the nominees for this year's EE Rising Star Award. 

'The talent pool was incredible, making it a tough decision, but I'm confident we've chosen five truly exceptional actors who deserve this recognition. 

'It feels like just yesterday I was getting my first big break, and it's so fulfilling to now be in a position to spotlight these emerging stars who are on the brink of something amazing in their careers. 

'I can't wait to see who wins the award next year.'

Mia added: 'Winning the 2024 EE Rising Star Award was an incredible honour, and to have my work recognised amongst such a talented group of actors meant so much. 

I'm very grateful to everyone who voted for me. Now, being part of the 2025 judging panel is a privilege, and I feel lucky to be able to play a role in celebrating the next wave of brilliant creatives.'

Will rounded off the trio, saying: 'I am thrilled to join the jury panel for the EE Rising Star Award. 'It's a really important award that highlights and celebrates the emerging talent in our industry, giving the public a chance to recognise the stars of tomorrow. 

'These are the people who are keeping the industry on its toes and will help define its future. 

'I've watched so much brilliant work and have been frankly blown away by them all.'

The EE Rising Star award was created in honour of the late Mary Selway - a highly respected and BAFTA award-winning casting director whose 36-year career saw her work on more than ninety films and work with leading directors such as Steven Spielberg and Clint Eastwood.

Mary's work contributed to the creation of some of the silver screen's most memorable characters and in 2001 she received BAFTA's Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award.

Nominations for all categories at the EE British Academy Film Awards will be announced on January 15, with the ceremony being broadcast on February 16.