Although absent from the 2025 EE BAFTAs, Prince William shared a special pre-recorded message during Sunday night’s ceremony. The Prince of Wales, 42, filmed the segment earlier this week at the London Screen Academy.
During his appearance, William introduced past EE Rising Star Award winners James McAvoy and Letitia Wright, who later presented the award to this year’s honorees.
This year marked the 20th anniversary of the Rising Star Award, which is voted on by the British public and celebrates emerging acting talent with exceptional skill and ambition.
As President of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts since 2010, William said: “Good evening everyone. As President of BAFTA, I’m delighted to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the Rising Star Award, which is presented in honour of Mary Selway.
“What a 20 years and what a line-up of exceptional talent! Since 2006, this award has not only championed the industry’s rising stars but also helped inspire the next generation of acting talent to pursue their dreams.
“The five incredibly talented people nominated tonight demonstrate a remarkable range of performances and have each captured the imagination of audiences over the last year.
“Judging by the international success of the previous nominees and winners of this award, I am certain we will be seeing much more of their work over the next twenty years and beyond.
“To announce this year’s nominees, please welcome to the stage two previous winners of the EE Rising Star Award, both of whom are soon to make their directorial debuts—James McAvoy and Letitia Wright. Have a wonderful night.”
