They are James McAvoy and Chiwetel Ejiofor.

McAvoy, 26, is known to TV viewers as loveable thief Steve in Channel 4 series Shameless and plays Mr Tumnus in the movie adaptation of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Ejiofor, 31, has already garnered awards for his performance in Dirty Pretty Things, and his other films include Love Actually and Kinky Boots.

The other nominees are Brokeback Mountain actress Michelle Williams, Mexican heart-throb Gael Garcia Bernal and Hollywood starlet Rachel McAdams.

The new award honours young actors who have demonstrated exceptional talent over the past year.

A judging panel which included Hollywood star Cate Blanchett and director Sir Alan Parker selected the five nominees.

The winner will be announced at the Bafta film awards on February 19. The award has been created in honour of the late casting director Mary Selway, who worked on such films as Gosford Park, Out Of Africa, Schindler's List and Withnail and I.

Bafta chairman Duncan Kenworthy said: "The Orange Rising Star Award is a significant new award that asks the public to judge what they are uniquely placed to judge - stardom.

"This exciting award will shine an early spotlight on the talented young actors and actresses who are the future of our industry."

The other Bafta nominees will be announced on January 19.