Dakota Johnson and John Boyega have been nominated for the EE Rising Star Award 2016.

Dakota Johnson

Dakota Johnson

The 'Black Mass' actress and the 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' actor will go head-to-head for the coveted prize - which is awarded to an actor or actress who has demonstrated exceptional talent and are destined for bright futures in film and handed out at the BAFTA Awards - alongside 'Room' star Brie Larson, 'Kingsman: The Secret Service' actor Taron Egerton and 'Equals' actress Bel Powley.

Dakota - who is the daughter of actors Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith is "stunned" to have been nominated for the award.

She said: "I am thoroughly stunned, and honoured to be acknowledged with an EE Rising Star Award nomination. Thank you, I am truly grateful."

And Bel was equally surprised to have made the shortlist for the award, which has previously been won by the likes of James McAvoy, Jack O'Connell, Kristen Stewart and Tom Hardy.

She said: "I've watched and respected the BAFTAs and the EE Rising Star Award since I was very young, so I can't quite believe this is happening! I am incredibly thankful to the jury and to BAFTA for recognising my work. I really love what I do."

Meanwhile, Taron is feeling "proud and excited" to be in the running.

He said: "I am delighted to be nominated for the EE Rising Star Award. It is such an honour to be recognised in this way and I am proud and excited to be following in the footsteps of some incredibly talented previous nominees."

Both John and Brie also expressed their gratitude to be nominated.

John said: "Thank you to BAFTA and the jury. I'm honoured to be considered for the EE Rising Star Award in this company. What a great way to start the new year."

Brie commented: "Thank you BAFTA, for the EE Rising Star Award nomination in support of 'Room'. I'm very honoured to be in the company of esteemed peers, past and present."

The EE Rising Star Award is the only award at the EE British Academy Film Awards to be voted for by the public.

Voting will open to the public at ee.co.uk/BAFTA at 10.30am tomorrow (06.01.15).

The winner will be announced at the EE British Academy Film Awards - which are commonly known as the BAFTA Awards - on Sunday 14 February 2016.

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