Archie Madekwe, the actor who shot to fame in Emerald Fennell's cult hit Saltburn, has opened up about the film's staggering cultural impact and his subsequent nomination for the prestigious EE BAFTA Rising Star Award for 2026.
Riding the Saltburn Rollercoaster
In an exclusive chat with Metro, the 30-year-old described his time on the film, which starred Jacob Elordi and Barry Keoghan, as a 'very particular experience'. He called it strange, amazing, and special to be part of a project that resonated so deeply with audiences. 'It was an amazing roller coaster, very alien and a very new thing,' Madekwe said, acknowledging the surreal physical feeling of going viral on platforms like TikTok.
He credited writer-director Emerald Fennell's unique vision for the film's success. 'She’s so specific about her filmmaking, she’s such a genius,' he stated, revealing the cast sensed they were part of something special from the very first read-through.
A Plea for an Open Mind on Wuthering Heights
Madekwe, nominated for his work in the film Lurker, also touched on the heated debate surrounding Fennell's next directorial project: a bold new adaptation of Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights. Its casting and a provocative, period-inaccurate trailer have sparked intense online discussion.
While admitting he hasn't seen the hotly anticipated film yet, Madekwe urged fans to keep an open mind. 'I think that especially with any kind of literature that feels close to people, they feel very protective,' he said. 'But remember that this is also an artist that is giving you an adaptation through her eyes.' He encouraged audiences to take the new interpretation in their stride, adding excitedly, 'What a cast, I just cannot wait to see all those people on screen!'
The 2026 Rising Star Contenders
Madekwe finds himself in esteemed company for the publicly-voted EE BAFTA Rising Star Award. The full list of 2026 nominees is:
- Robert Aramayo (I Swear)
- Miles Caton (Sinners)
- Chase Infiniti (One Battle After Another)
- Archie Madekwe (Lurker)
- Posy Sterling (Lollipop)
The winner will be revealed at the EE BAFTA Film Awards ceremony on Sunday 22 February 2026.
Fellow nominee Posy Sterling, recognised for her powerful role as a single mother in Lollipop, revealed the part saved her career. She had previously considered quitting acting altogether. The role has also ignited a passion for activism, with Sterling now campaigning for social care and maternal imprisonment reform. 'When you learn about what is actually going on, you can’t ignore it,' she explained.
Looking ahead, Sterling is open to any genre, confessing with a laugh, 'And I love vampires to be honest.' A timely wish, given the success of vampire film Sinners the previous year.
