Murphy in running for BAFTA
Cork actor Cillian Murphy is in the running for a prestigious Bafta film award, it was confirmed today.
The star who shot to fame in 28 Days Later is among five nominees for the Orange Rising Star Award which will be given out at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts ceremony.
Other contenders include Bond girl Eva Green, who also appears opposite Daniel Craig in Casino Royale, Ben Whishaw, Naomie Harris and Emily Blunt.
The Orange Rising Star Award is given out annually to a young actor who has demonstrated exceptional on-screen talent.
The 2006 winner, Shameless star James McAvoy, announced the shortlist today. The award, which will be given out at this year's Bafta ceremony on February 11, is chosen by public votes through the Orange website or via text message.
Murphy recently starred in Ken Loach's Palme d'Or winner The Wind That Shakes The Barley which was set in Cork during the War of Independence.
Murphy also received a Golden Globe nomination for his cross-dressing role as young Irish transvestite Patrick 'Kitten' Braden in Neil Jordan's Breakfast On Pluto.
Harris starred in two major movies last year - Miami Vice and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. Another contender, Blunt, also received a Golden Globe nomination for her part in The Devil Wears Prada.
Whishaw is currently starring in the film adaptation of Perfume.
