Jack O'Connell wins Rising Star award at BAFTAs following his acclaimed turn in Angelina Jolie's war drama Unbroken
Jack O'Connell has taken home the the Rising Star Award at the EE British Academy Film Awards.
The 24-year-old beat out competition from fellow nominees Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Margot Robbie, Miles Teller, and Shailene Woodley after a public vote.
2015 is the trophy's tenth year and has previously been picked up by the likes of Shia LaBeouf, Eva Green, Tom Hardy, and Kristen Stewart.
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Triumphant: Jack O'Connell has been named Rising Star at the 2015 EE British Academy Film Awards
After his win, Jack revealed he aimed to pick up a BAFTA from an early age: 'I remember I was part of a TV workshop in Nottingham, and taught by a wonderful man Ian Smith , And we had won a BAFTA, I don't know what for but I remember being at that age inspired.
'Now I find myself with one. Speaking of which are all these spare BAFTAs? Has anyone claimed them? I should have brought a bag with me.'
James McAvoy, the first winner of the prize in 2006, is adamant that the honour will help boost Jack's already blossoming career.
He said: 'Winning the first EE Rising Star Award means a great deal to me. The award was created in honour of the late casting director Mary Selway, who helped many young actors and actresses get the break they needed to succeed in the industry.
Taste of success: The 24-year-old actor looked so impressed with his prize he wanted to take a bite
Big shoes to fill: He was presented the award by James McAvoy, the first recipient of the honour back in 2006
'EE Rising Star has carried on her merits by recognizing a very impressive list of young actors who have since gone on to do great things.'
Spencer McHugh, Director of Brand at EE, adds: 'We’re absolutely delighted that the British public has chosen Jack as their winner.
'This is the tenth anniversary of the award and once again we have seen an increase in votes, which is testament to credibility and popularity of the EE Rising Star award. Congratulations to Jack, a much-deserved winner.'
The triumph follows Jack's acclaimed role in Angelina Jolie's most recent directorial effort, Unbroken.
The actor played Louis Zamperini, an Olympic runner who was taken prisoner by Japanese forces during World War II.
Dapper: The star scrubbed up well in smart black tie as he hit the red carpet at the Royal Opera House in London
Selfie time: Despite his rising fame, Jack ensured he stopped to take pictures with fans
Competition: Jack beat Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Miles Teller to the award, which was voted for by the public
Missing in action: Both Margot Robbie and Shailene Woodley , who were also nominated, skipped the event
The award was created in honour of Mary Selway, the highly respected BAFTA-winning casting director whose career spanned three decades and over ninety films before she died in 2004.
She worked with notable directors such as Steven Spielberg, Roman Polanski, Clint Eastwood and Ridley Scott, contributing to the creation of some of the silver screen's most memorable characters.
Jack got his first big break playing cocky teen James Cook in TV hit Skins between 2009 and 2013.
Accaimed: It's been a big year for the actor, who played Louis Zamperini, an Olympic runner who was taken prisoner by Japanese forces during World War II, in Angelina Jolie's Unbroken
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