Archie Madekwe Opens Up About Saltburn Experience and BAFTA Recognition
Archie Madekwe, the acclaimed actor nominated for the prestigious EE BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2026, has shared candid reflections on his involvement in the blockbuster film Saltburn. Starring alongside Jacob Elordi and Barry Keoghan, Madekwe described the project as "a very particular experience" that left a lasting impression on his career.
The Cultural Impact of Saltburn
In an exclusive interview, Madekwe elaborated on the unique nature of working on Saltburn, noting its significant cultural resonance. "It was very strange, but also amazing and really special to be a part of a film that has that much of a cultural impact," he stated. He praised writer-director Emerald Fennell, calling her "so specific about her filmmaking" and "such a genius." Madekwe revealed that the cast sensed the film's potential from the outset, saying, "We always knew we were a part of something special because of the way that Emerald spoke about it, and because of the writing, and because of the feeling that she created on set."
Navigating Viral Fame and Award Season
The 30-year-old actor admitted that the sudden fame from Saltburn's TikTok virality was unexpected. "No one can really prepare you for the physical feeling of going TikTok viral," he confessed. Despite this, he embraced the roller coaster ride, viewing it as a celebration of the film's success. Madekwe's Rising Star nomination stems from his work in the film Lurker, which he also produced, highlighting his multifaceted talents in the industry.
He joins a distinguished list of nominees for the 2026 award, including:
- Robert Aramayo (I Swear)
- Miles Caton (Sinners)
- Chase Infiniti (One Battle After Another)
- Posy Sterling (Lollipop)
Supporting Fellow Nominees and Future Projects
Madekwe expressed excitement about Emerald Fennell's upcoming film, Wuthering Heights, though he had not seen it at the time of the interview. He encouraged fans to remain open to Fennell's creative vision, emphasizing the importance of artistic interpretation in adaptations.
His connection to the Rising Star award extends beyond his own nomination; he recently worked with Kingsley Ben-Adir, a 2021 nominee, on the film The Arrival, which explores their characters' complex sibling relationship. "It feels particularly special because so many people that I look up to have been nominated for this," Madekwe shared, describing the honor as surreal.
Posy Sterling's Journey and Advocacy
Fellow nominee Posy Sterling, recognized for her role in Lollipop as a single mother navigating post-prison life, revealed that she nearly quit acting before landing the part. "I'll be honest with you, that was how I was feeling," she admitted, noting that casting director Lucy Pardee encouraged her to persevere. Sterling has since used her platform to advocate for social care and maternal imprisonment reform, stating, "When you learn about what is actually going on, you can't ignore it."
Beyond acting, Sterling has worked as a carer and founded a school, showcasing her diverse interests. She remains open to various future roles, from biopics to comedies and even vampire-themed projects, reflecting her dynamic career aspirations.
BAFTA Ceremony Details
The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards will be held at London's Royal Festival Hall on Sunday, February 22, with actor and presenter Alan Cumming hosting the ceremony. The event will be broadcast on BBC One starting at 7pm, where the Rising Star Award winner will be announced following voting that closed on February 20.
As the film industry gathers to celebrate outstanding achievements, Madekwe and his fellow nominees represent a new generation of talent poised to shape the future of cinema. Their stories underscore the dedication and passion required to thrive in a competitive and ever-evolving landscape.
