The BAFTA nominees for the 2019 EE Rising Star award have officially been announced

And we cannot wait.

Award season is officially upon us, with the Golden Globes taking place in just a few days, the first ceremony in a packed calendar. So what do we have in store? Sweet red carpet moments, emotional speeches and some high profile political activism if last year is anything to go by - and we absolutely cannot wait.

But it wasn't the Golden Globes that had everyone talking today, it was the BAFTAs, with its prestigious EE Rising Star Award nominees for this year announced this morning.

Broadcaster Edith Bowman and BAFTA Chief Executive Amanda Berry announced the finalists, with the nominees consisting of five actors and actresses who have showcased their outstanding talent on the big screen this last year.

Here are the EE Rising Star Award nominees for 2019...

Jessie Buckley

'I would like to thank both BAFTA and the jury from the bottom of my heart for putting me forward for the 2019 EE Rising Star Award – it’s a huge honour and a fantastic category to be nominated for, especially as the winner is decided by film fans at home.'

Cynthia Erivo

'I’m ever grateful to BAFTA and the jury panel for nominating me for the 2019 EE Rising Star Award. It means the world to me to be acknowledged by the community that, for most of my life, I’ve known as home. Thank you for this incredible honour.'

Barry Keoghan

'I want to thank BAFTA and of course the jury for this incredible honour. It’s really exciting to be put forward for the EE Rising Star Award. Over the years, I have watched so many actors and actresses that I admire be nominated in this category, so to think that I’m now on that list is an amazing feeling.'

Lakeith Stanfield

‘On behalf of the entire Sorry To Bother You team, thank you BAFTA. It is an honour and a pleasure to be considered.'

Letitia Wright

'It’s an incredible feeling to be chosen by BAFTA and the jury as a candidate for the EE Rising Star Award. It means a lot that my work has been recognised, especially in the country I’ve grown up in, and that I get to share this recognition with so many talented actors.'

'Selecting and announcing the EE Rising Star Award nominees has always been an honour,' explained EE Rising Star Award juror Edith Bowman. 'Having been on the jury panel for the past three years, the experience is more thrilling each year. Now, it’s up to film fans from across the UK to vote for their favourite nominee, as this is the only award which is determined by the British public. So, please make sure to check out each of the films these talented actors and actresses have been nominated for and get voting.'

Voting is now open at ee.co.uk/BAFTA.

Make sure you tune into the EE British Academy Film Awards on Sunday 10 February 2019 to find out the winner.

We officially cannot wait.