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AWARD POTENTIAL: Luptia Nyong'o (PA)

KENYAN ACTRESS Lupita Nyong'o, who is in the hotly-tipped film 12 Years A Slave, is among five young actors nominated for this year's Bafta Rising Star award.

The Bafta Rising Star nominees were selected by a panel including actress Gemma Arterton, Pippa Harris, the deputy chair of Bafta's film committee and film critic Mark Kermode.

Nyong’o has been applauded for her role as cotton picker Patsey acting alongside Chiwitel Ejiofor and Michael Fassbender in the Steve McQueen's drama.

12 Years A Slave is based on the 1853 memoir of Solomon Northup, a New York State-born free black man who was kidnapped in Washington DC in 1841 and then sold into slavery.

Nyong’o said she was "absolutely delighted" to be nominated, and has also recognised by the Golden Globes in the Best Supporting Actress category.

The award is decided by public vote, and the winner will be announced at the Bafta award ceremony on February 16.