Ward ‘lights up’ at BAFTA nod
Jamaican-born, British actor Micheal Ward is nominated for Supporting Actor at the 76th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA). The nominations were announced on January 19.
In a post on his Instagram page, Ward, who was born in Spanish Town, expressed appreciation for his third nomination from the BAFTA judges.
“I know this seems like it’s getting semi-normal now but man, this is a true true blessing. I put so much work into this character to ensure every nuance of the 80s was felt through the screen. Thank you @bafta for the acknowledgement. Thank you to all my team for all the support as always,” the post read.
Ward is nominated for his role as Stephen in the 2022 Sam Mendes-directed movie Empire of Light. The drama was released in the United Kingdom on January 9 and in the United States last December.
Noted British screen stars Olivia Colman and Colin Firth, and Tanya Moodie head the Empire of Light cast.
Ward is nominated along with Brendan Gleeson (The Banshees of Inisherin), Barry Keoghan (The Banshees of Inisherin), Ke Huy Quan (Everything Everywhere All at Once), Eddie Redmayne (The Good Nurse), and Albert Schuch (All Quiet on The Western Front).
Empire of Light also racked up nominations in the Outstanding British Film and Cinematography categories.
Ward won the BAFTA EE Rising Star Award in 2020 for his role in Blue Story. The following year he was nominated for Best Actor in A Supporting Role for his part in Steve McQueen’s Small Axe: Lovers Rock.
Ward came to prominence in 2019 for his role as Jamie in the Netflix television series Top Boy.
The BAFTA are scheduled for February 19 at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London.