An actor from Market Harborough is celebrating a major career milestone after being shortlisted for one of the UK film industry's most prestigious accolades.
From Leicestershire to the BAFTA Shortlist
Posy Sterling has been nominated for the EE BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2026. This public-voted honour recognises breakout performances in film and television, placing the Market Harborough native amongst the year's most exciting new talents.
Her nomination follows a standout year where she won Breakthrough Performance at the 2025 British Independent Film Awards (BIFAs). Sterling's powerful performance in the film Lollipop, directed by Daisy-May Hudson, has been widely acclaimed. She portrays a young mother facing systemic challenges after leaving prison, a role praised for its raw and compassionate depth.
A Voice for Change On and Off Screen
Sterling's commitment to the themes of her work extends beyond acting. Just a day before her BAFTA nomination was announced, she attended Parliament to contribute to discussions on issues highlighted in Lollipop. These included the separation of mothers from children and the need for better, trauma-informed support for women leaving the justice system.
"When a story opens doors for conversation, I feel a responsibility to walk through them," Sterling said. "I'm not shy of an uncomfortable conversation - that's often where connection and change begin." She described the BAFTA nomination as "especially beautiful timing" following the parliamentary engagement.
Future Projects and Local Roots
The actor is set to announce her involvement in another major project later this month, ahead of a February release. While different from Lollipop, she confirms the new role explores another significant social issue expected to resonate widely.
Beyond her screen career, Sterling is the founder of Screen School, a Market Harborough-based initiative to support young people interested in the screen industries. Although currently paused due to her filming schedule, she remains passionate about its future. "Screen School is incredibly close to my heart," she noted, expressing a desire to revive it with the right local support.
She maintains strong ties to the area, stating, "This area is really special to me. I spend a lot of time here with family... it feels important to stay connected."
How to Vote and Key Details
Posy Sterling is nominated alongside Archie Madekwe, Robert Aramayo, Chase Infiniti, and Miles Caton. The public can vote for the winner on the EE BAFTA Rising Star website at www.eebafta-risingstarvote.co.uk. Voting closes on February 12, 2026.
The winner will be announced at the BAFTA ceremony on February 22, 2026. Previous winners of the award include Tom Holland, Daniel Kaluuya, and Kristen Stewart.
Her nominated film, Lollipop, aired on BBC Two on Friday, January 16, and was made available on BBC iPlayer.
