Now in it's sixth year, Kermode explained the importance of the award, which is the only one at the Orange British Academy Film Awards voted for by the general public.
Nominee's this year include Inception star Tom Hardy, former Bond girl Gemma Arterton, Social Network's Andrew Garfield, Aaron Johnson a young John Lennon in Nowhere Boy, and Emma Stone star of Easy A.
Kermode, one the UK's leading film critics who sits on the BAFTA council, explained that what makes the Orange Rising Star award so special is it's unpredictability. Last year the winner of this prestigious award went to Twilight star Kristen Stewart, who beat British favourite Carey Mulligan star of An Education, to the prize. Previous winners include Shia Lebeouf, Eva Green and James McAvoy and it is fast becoming recognised as a platform for stars in making.
Kermode explained that his love of film developed when he started going to the cinema aged 6. He states The Exorcist as his own favourite film, and admits that there isn't a day that goes past when he doesn't think of it. To Kermode the 1973 film directed by William Friedkin "remains a constant source of fascination", and never lets him down when he watches it. He commented that in the past he has always been surprised by the BAFTA nominations and rising star winners, but to 2011 long-list has included his film favourites, making him suspect his tastes may be becoming more popularist.
When discussing who he believes will win this year's award, Kermode expressed he would be hard pushed to pick the winner describing it "as the most even field we've ever had." As a critic Kermode felt it was an "excellent list" and he was particularly pleased to see actresses such as Gemma Arterton and Emma Stone nominated for their respective roles in the "tough" Alice Creed and Easy A, which he described as a "smart, sassy comedy".
This year's award ceremony will take place on 13th Feburary at London's Royal Opera House.
Text by Joey Abbiss-Stubbs for Crane.tv
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