Celebrities Dazzle in Bold Styles at BAFTA Rising Star Party

Hollywood Glamour Lights Up London at BAFTA 2025 Rising Star Party

The Pavyllon London dazzled on Wednesday as stars gathered for the Vanity Fair EE BAFTA Rising Star Party. Hosted ahead of the 2025 BAFTA Film Awards, the event celebrated this year’s breakout talents, with nominees and icons mingling in head-turning looks.

Style on Display
AJ Odudu, 36, stole the spotlight in a fiery red-and-black mini dress paired with thigh-high PVC boots, her cascading waves complementing the bold ensemble. Meanwhile, Chicken Shop Date’s Amelia Dimoldenberg, 31, opted for a sleek black-and-white gown with a plunging neckline, accessorized with chic black heels. Sabrina Elba, 35, turned heads in a ruffled red dress adorned with striking gold jewelry, while Industry’s Marisa Abela, 28, rocked an edgy brown leather strapless gown, finishing her look with oversized sunglasses.

AJ Odudu commanded attention in her bold red-and-black ensemble.

The Rising Star Nominees
The evening highlighted the five nominees for the prestigious EE Rising Star Award, a launchpad for A-listers like Tom Holland and Kristen Stewart. Leading the pack is Marisa Abela, recognized for her transformative role as Amy Winehouse in Back to Black. She shared her disbelief upon learning of her nomination: “I was meeting my friend’s baby and had to keep quiet—it was torture!”

Joining her are:

• Jharrel Jerome (Unstoppable): Portraying one-legged wrestler Anthony Robles, Jerome aims to “inspire young artists to chase their dreams.”
• David Jonsson (Alien: Romulus): The Industry alum stars in the sci-fi thriller as a space colonist battling extraterrestrial horrors.
• Mikey Madison (Anora): Known for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, she plays a Brooklyn sex worker entangled with a billionaire’s heir.
• Nabhaan Rizwan (In Camera): This KAOS standout tackles the cutthroat reality of auditioning in the indie drama.

Marisa Abela (center) with fellow nominees Jharrel Jerome, David Jonsson, Mikey Madison, and Nabhaan Rizwan.

Star-Studded Support
Jack O’Connell, a 2015 Rising Star winner and Marisa’s Back to Black co-star, announced the nominees. Reflecting on his win, he praised Marisa’s dedication: “Watching her embody Amy was awe-inspiring.” Other guests included The Crown’s Meg Bellamy in a glitzy black dress, model Munroe Bergdorf in silver sequins, and TV presenter Clara Amfo, who stunned in a crimson gown.

Sabrina Elba shone in a ruffled red dress and gold accessories.

Award Updates & Host Reveal
The Rising Star Award remains the only BAFTA category decided by public vote (via ee.co.uk/BAFTA). This year’s ceremony, hosted again by David Tennant, introduces a Children & Family Film category and revised criteria for Outstanding British Film to prioritize theatrical releases.

Fans can tune in February 16 at London’s Royal Festival Hall to see who follows in the footsteps of past winners like Tom Hardy and Lashana Lynch. With glamour, talent, and fresh faces, the 2025 BAFTA season is already unforgettable.

Amelia Dimoldenberg’s minimalist style stole the show.

(Word count: ~590)