23-YEARS OLD NIGERIAN-BORN ACTOR NOMINATED FOR BAFTA

Nigerian actor, John Boyega, has been in the EE Rising Star category at the 69^th edition of the British Academy Film and Television Awards(BAFTA).
Boyega plays Finn in the Stars Wars The Force Awakens and he will be competing for the winning spot with other actors – Bel Powley, Brie Larson, Dakota Johnson and Taron Egerton – in a voting category.

 

The ceremony will hold on February 14, 2016 at the Royal Opera House, London and will be hosted by Stephen Fry.

Boyega had starred as Ugwu, Odenigbo’s (Chiwetel Ejiofor) house boy in

Half of a Yellow sun, the film adaption of the novel with the same title, written by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. The movie was directed by Biyi Bandele.

 During a ‘Talks at Google’ session on December 3, 2015, Boyeha recalled how four years ago, JJ Abrams, in the company of Tom Cruise, walked up to him and said he loved Boyega’s first film role in ‘Attack the block’

According to Boyega, Abrams said, “I loved you in the movie. One day, I’ll get you in something. We’ll just have to think of what is right.”

That opportunity came four years after the discussion.

On his impression on working on the geeky Stars Wars set, Boyega revealed it was enjoyable. “I have no shame on the Stars Wars set.” the 23years old said.

“I still have no shame. This is the only time I’m going to experience Stars Wars like this for the first time. And so, for me, I just geeked out as much as I could. I brought merchandise to set for various cast members to sign. I took selfies. And it was nice just having that experience.”

Boyega also talked about some of the impressive sets for Stars Wars.

“The first time I went on set was in Abu Dhabi,” he said.

“And Jakku was real. JJ was so dope. He had the droids moving in between takes. That makes it feel like Disneyland, like they’re actually there, like they exist. I felt like a kid. Like the creatures would move. And you know, I’m just there like, we’re on planet.... This is the closest we’re ever going to get to ET. And so, it was amazing to see the practical effects, puppetry, animatronics, all played a vital part. And the CG is just an enhancement of what’s already there.”

 Stars Wars – The Force Awakens continues to shatter records becoming the fastest selling film in China, making $31.8m on Saturday. The movie has grossed over 1.5billion dollars since release three weeks ago. 

   

By Joe Abro Jr