Abubakar Salim feels he needs to "step up his game" even further after being recognised as one of the 2019 BAFTA Breakthrough Brits.
Abubakar Salim
The 'Raised By Wolves' actor admits being named one of The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTAs) Breakthrough Brits, which has recognised 20 of the UK's most promising future stars of film, games and television in partnership with Netflix, is "quite terrifying" - but very much in a "good" way.
He exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "It's quite terrifying. But it's good, it's good.
"The BAFTA Breakthrough Brits has quite a following, and some amazing people on who I was looking up to when I was starting out.
"To be in the same place where they were in is like, 'Oh wow, I'm here?'
"It's so lovely to be a part of but it's also one of those things where you think, 'OK, cool. I've got to step up the game now.' "
Some of this year's winners include 'Dancing on Ice' producer Coco Jackson, 'Chilling Adventures of Sabrina' actor Chance Perdomo, 'Pure' producer Jen Kenwood, 'Sex Education' writer Laurie Nunn, and 'In My Skin' scribe Kayleigh Llewellyn, who was delighted with the recognition.
The 'Casualty' writer said: "It's so exciting. I'm absolutely thrilled. It feels like a really big honour."
Past Breakthrough Brits have included 'Black Panther' star Letitia Wright and BAFTA EE Rising Star winner Tom Holland.
Others recognised for this year's Breakthrough Brits were 'Pure' writer Kirstie Swain, 'Calm with Horses' actress Niamh Algar, and 'Dirty God' star Vicky Knight.
They were chosen by an industry jury comprised of the likes of Joe Cole, Jay Hunt and Bertie Carvel.
BAFTA Breakthrough is BAFTA's flagship new talent scheme, which showcases and supports the next generation of creative talent in film, games and television in the UK.
In 2019, BAFTA announced a partnership with Netflix on Breakthrough Brits.
Those recognised receive one-to-one mentoring and career guidance, access to BAFTA events and networking opportunities in the UK and internationally.
Supporters of the initiative in recent years include actors Olivia Colman and Tilda Swinton, Brad Pitt, directors Tom Harper and Barry Jenkins, game designers Brenda Romero and Tim Schafer, and Sharon Horgan and Amy Schumer.
Since its launch in 2013, BAFTA Breakthrough Brits has championed over 100 talented newcomers.