Created in honour of highly respected BAFTA-winning casting director Mary Selway, the EE Rising Star Award is the only BAFTA accolade voted for by the public and is designed to reward exceptional emerging talent.
Poulter beat Dane DeHaan, George MacKay, Lupita Nyong’o and Léa Seydoux in the public vote.
The 21 year old actor gained critical acclaim for his feature debut in Son of Rambow and was nominated for most promising newcomer at the 2007 British Independent Film Awards.
He recently starred alongside Jason Sudeikis and Jennifer Aniston in the outrageous We’re the Millers.
His performance in Dexter Fletcher’s gritty Wild Bill earned him a nomination for young British performer of the year at the London Critics’ Circle Awards.
Spencer McHugh, Director of Brand at EE, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that the British public has chosen Will Poulter as their winner.
“With the award now in its 9th year we have seen a record response from the voting public, which is testament to the immense talent recognised in the EE Rising Star category this year. Congratulations to Will, a much-deserved winner.”
Pippa Harris, Deputy Chair of BAFTA’s Film Committee and Chair of the Jury for the EE Rising Star Award, added: “This year has been a fantastic year for emerging film talent and all the nominees clearly have star quality.
“Congratulations to Will Poulter, I hope this award marks the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in his career.”