Jack O'Connell was awarded with the Rising Star Award at Sunday evening's (Feb 8th) EE British Academy Film Awards after his starring role in Angelina Jolie's latest directorial effort, the WWII movie 'Unbroken.'

Jack O'Connell
O'Connell with his Rising Star BAFTA at Sunday's award ceremony

The 24-year-old actor was prized with the honour after a public vote, which saw he compete against the other nominees Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Margot Robbie, Miles Teller, and Shailene Woodley.

While receiving the award, O'Connell recalled watching the BAFTAs from an early age. "I remember I was part of a TV workshop in Nottingham, and taught by a wonderful man Ian Smith, And we had won a BAFTA, I don't know what for but I remember being at that age inspired," he told the audience.

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"Now I find myself with one. Speaking of which are all these spare BAFTAs? Has anyone claimed them? I should have brought a bag with me," he added, referring to the BAFTA trophies already on the stage.

The British star's latest starring role came in the critically acclaimed film 'Unbroken,' which tells the true story of Olympic athlete and WWII hero Louie Zamperini (O'Conell), who survived a plane crash in the Pacific, then was 47 days adrift at sea and spent two and a half years in a Japanese prisoner of war camp.

James McAvoy, who was the first recipient of the Rising Star Award, presented O'Connell with the prize and stated how this will provide a boost to his already blossoming career.

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"Winning the first EE Rising Star Award means a great deal to me. The award was created in honour of the late casting director Mary Selway, who helped many young actors and actresses get the break they needed to succeed in the industry," he said, via Daily Mail. "EE Rising Star has carried on her merits by recognizing a very impressive list of young actors who have since gone on to do great things."