Five young actors, including Britons James McAvoy and Chiwetel Ejiofor, have been nominated for the Orange Rising Star Award at this year's Baftas.
The new award honours actors who have demonstrated exceptional talent over the past year. The other nominees are Hollywood starlet Rachel McAdams, Brokeback Mountain actress Michelle Williams and Mexican star Gael Garcia Bernal.
Bafta chairman Duncan Kenworthy said: 'This exciting award will shine an early spotlight on the talented young actors and actresses who are the future of our industry.'
It was created in honour of the late casting director Mary Selway, who worked on such films as Gosford Park, Out Of Africa, Schindler's List and Withnail And I.
McAvoy, 26, appeared in the Disney adaptation of The Chronicles Of Narnia and Ejiofor, 31, has appeared in Dirty Pretty Things and Kinky Boots.
A judging panel, which included actress Cate Blanchett, selected the nominees. The winner will be announced at the Bafta film awards on February 19.
