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At the 2025 EE BAFTA Film Awards, a star-studded list of nominees and winners spoke to EE’s red carpet hosts – Young BAFTA Presenters 14-year-old Jeriah Kibusi, and 16-year-old Braydon Bent - about the importance of celebrating the trailblazers behind-the-scenes.  

Celebrating their 28th year of partnership, EE and BAFTA are dedicated to inspiring the next generation of budding creatives to explore careers within film. By extending their long-standing collaboration they aim to provide young people with opportunities to pursue their passions and connect the dots between their curiosities and next steps.  

The Young BAFTA Presenters, accompanied by their parents, had the chance to interview some of this year’s BAFTA nominees and winners at the EE red-carpet stage including winner of Leading Actress Mikey Madison, winner of Original Screenplay Jesse Eisenberg, Best Film winners Edward Berger and the rest of the Conclave team and Supporting Actress nominee Felicity Jones who shared their words of wisdom with aspiring filmmakers.  

This year, EE’s red-carpet stage highlighted its new Set the Stage campaign, encouraging on screen stars to champion their behind-the-scenes counterparts. The Set the Stage initiative invites teenagers to join a film crew and produce a short film under the mentorship of BAFTA nominated actress Daisy Edgar-Jones and BAFTA award-winning industry experts. 

When asked by 14-year-old Jeriah what behind-the-camera role they would explore if they weren’t in front of the camera, James McAvoy mentioned that he would have loved to explore directing, and Naomi Ackie expressed an interest in costume design. James Norton, Will Poulter and David Tennant all shared that they would choose catering, with James Norton adding that: “Catering is an incredibly important part of the machine but having said that, that's what I love about the film set - every single cog is essential. If you take out transport or you take out catering or you take out lights or sound or make-up the whole thing falls apart. So, in that sense it is purely collaborative".  

Asked to share advice for the younger generation of aspiring stars, Cynthia Erivo, said, “Learn who you are and don’t be afraid of what makes you different, lean into being yourself and always practice”. Sebastian Stan noted: “I’ll tell you it’s all about being fearless. What I’ve learnt, especially this past year, is try and find your voice without the approval of anybody. Stay strong, ask yourself questions, pay attention and listen more than you talk”.  

Jeriah was also joined by EE Rising Star nominees Mikey Madison, Nabhaan Rizwan and Jharrel Jerome, as well as the 2025 EE Rising Star Winner David Jonsson who gave his thoughts on the dedication and effort that cinematographers put into the industry. David told Braydon, “Whatever you’re doing, if you’re doing it well, keep doing it, and we will see you on the other side”.  

EE and BAFTA's partnership continues to inspire the next generation, helping them connect their passions to future careers. Visit EE Learn to find out more.