David Jonsson Opens Up About Winning BAFTA’s EE Rising Star Award and Inspiring the Next Generation
London, August 31, 2025 – British actor David Jonsson, celebrated for his standout performances in Alien: Romulus, Rye Lane, and the BBC series Industry, has reflected on his journey to winning the prestigious EE Rising Star Award at the 2025 BAFTA Film Awards. The accolade, the only BAFTA award determined by public vote, marks a significant milestone in Jonsson’s burgeoning career and underscores his commitment to paving the way for aspiring creatives.
Jonsson, a 31-year-old East London native and RADA graduate, won the 2025 EE Rising Star Award on February 16, beating out a talented pool of nominees that included Marisa Abela (Back to Black), Jharrel Jerome (Unstoppable), Mikey Madison (Anora), and Nabhaan Rizwan (In Camera). The award, presented at the Royal Festival Hall by previous winners James McAvoy (2006) and Letitia Wright (2019), celebrates emerging actors who have captured the public’s imagination with exceptional talent. Jonsson’s win was propelled by his compelling portrayal of Andy, a synthetic human, in the sci-fi horror hit Alien: Romulus, alongside his earlier critically acclaimed roles.
In an exclusive interview with BuzzFeed UK, Jonsson shared the profound impact of the award, saying, “As a young boy growing up in East London, I couldn’t think of an honour that’s more about the people, and proof that you can do it too. An absolute blessing and dream.” He emphasized that the recognition is not just a personal triumph but a testament to the power of storytelling. “I’ve got to be honest, this isn’t why I do it,” Jonsson remarked at the ceremony. “I’m just an East London boy who didn’t really see a space for me in this industry. But this award is about people, and as long as we keep telling stories about people, I think there’ll be a space for me and people like me and you and everyone watching at home.”
The EE Rising Star Award, now in its 20th year, was created in honor of the late casting director Mary Selway, who championed new talent throughout her illustrious career. Jonsson joins an impressive roster of past winners, including Tom Hardy, Kristen Stewart, Daniel Kaluuya, and last year’s recipient, Mia McKenna-Bruce. The 2025 nominees, selected by a jury that included BAFTA winners Letitia Wright, Mia McKenna-Bruce, and Will Sharpe, were celebrated for their diverse and dynamic contributions to film.
Since his win, Jonsson has been busy with high-profile projects, including wrapping production on Stephen King’s The Long Walk and preparing for roles in Wasteman and Scandalous. He is also producing Wasteman, showcasing his growing influence in the industry. Additionally, Jonsson was named one of Variety’s “10 Actors to Watch” in 2024, further cementing his status as a rising star.
Beyond his on-screen achievements, Jonsson is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of filmmakers. He has taken on a mentorship role in EE and BAFTA’s Set The Stage initiative, a program in collaboration with the Young Film Academy that provides sixteen young creatives the opportunity to produce a short film under the guidance of industry professionals. The project, titled Setting Sail, explores themes of growing up in modern Britain and is set to premiere in early 2026 on EE’s YouTube channel, accompanied by a behind-the-scenes documentary. Reflecting on his involvement, Jonsson told BuzzFeed UK, “BAFTA really does champion up-and-coming talent. And I think that it’s so important to not just take, but give. Set The Stage is just such a wonderful chance to see young filmmakers come together and try something, do something. Not for the sake of awards, but for the sake of ‘this is what we do’ and you can have a career in this.”
Jonsson’s journey from his early days at the National Youth Theatre, where he starred in the 2013 production of Pigeon English, to his BAFTA win highlights his perseverance and talent. His nomination alone was a moment of disbelief for the actor, who described it as “bonkers” and a validation of his place in an industry where he initially felt like an outsider.
As Jonsson continues to rise, his focus remains on storytelling and opening doors for others. “This is about the dreamers, the grafters, and the people trying to do it a little bit different,” he said during his acceptance speech, dedicating the award to those chasing their dreams. With his talent, humility, and commitment to mentorship, David Jonsson is not only a rising star but a beacon for the future of film.
The EE BAFTA Film Awards, broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer, celebrated a remarkable year in cinema, with Conclave and The Brutalist each taking home four awards. As Jonsson’s star continues to ascend, the industry and audiences alike eagerly await his next chapter.