Other jurists include Pippa Harris, Deputy Chairman of BAFTA’s Film Committee and producing partner of Sam Mendes, Scottish director Kevin Macdonald, film critic Mark Kermode, casting director Nina Gold and film publicist Kate Lee.
The jury met yesterday to decide the five nominees for the award – the only BAFTA voted for by the British public – which honours a young actor or actress who has demonstrated exceptional talent and ambition and has begun to capture the imagination of the British public.
The award was created in honour of highly respected BAFTA-winning casting director Mary Selway, whose career spanned three decades and over ninety films before she died in 2004. Selway worked with notable directors such as Steven Spielberg, Roman Polanski, Clint Eastwood and Ridley Scott, contributing to the creation of some of the silver screen’s most memorable characters.
Previous winners include Tom Hardy, Kristen Stewart, Noel Clarke, Eva Green and James McAvoy, with 2012’s nominees including Chris Hemsworth, Chris O’Dowd, Eddie Redmayne, Tom Hiddleston and winner Adam Deacon.
The nominees will be announced on Monday 7 January 2013 at BAFTA HQ and the winner will be announced at the EE British Academy Film Awards on Sunday 10 February 2013.
Cumberbatch said he was “honoured to have been asked to be part of this year’s EE Rising Star Award jury.”
“This award recognises the British public’s passion for film and more importantly gives a boost to up and coming talent, which is so important for cinema. It’s a great platform for young actors and actresses to shine and I’m thrilled to be on board.”
Spencer McHugh, Director of Brand, EE added: “We are thrilled to be working with our partners at BAFTA to continue to nurture and celebrate up and coming talent. Film is very important to EE and I am so glad that our esteemed jurors are helping us steer the award.”