Mia McKenna-Bruce on rising BAFTA star nod and idolize Kate Winslet

Born and raised in London, she was 10 when she joined the cast of Billy Elliot the Musical, which was quickly followed by television appearances in Holby City, EastEnders, The Bill and CBBC’s Tracy Beaker Returns.

She has since appeared in Netflix’s The Witcher, ITV’s Vera and the film Persuasion, but it’s new independent film how to Have Sex that has put her on the BAFTA Rising Stars shortlist – 16 years on the beginning of his career…

How does it feel to be nominated for a BAFTA Rising Star?

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I can not understand. Every time someone says it, I’m like, “What’s going on?” This is the dream.

If you win, what will you do with your reward?

I saw an interview with Kate Winslet where she said she put her Oscar in the toilet so people could give their Oscar acceptance speeches in private. Maybe I’ll follow in his footsteps.

Who would you like to meet at the awards ceremony?

Kate Winslet. Can you tell I’m obsessed? She seems so real and grounded. My goal as an actor is to be as honest and real as possible, so I admire that. Plus, watching Titanic made me realize that acting was something I wanted to do.

You started out as a child actor on television. How was the transition to adult acting?

It was hard. I put a lot of pressure on myself. I had panic attacks before and after auditions. I had such a good experience with it as a child and I didn’t want it to end.

I had to move away a little. I left my agent and moved to Australia with my best friend and got a job in a call center. After six months, I decided to give acting another chance.

How do you reflect on that time now?

I am grateful for that. It has given me a deep love and appreciation for what I do. I don’t take it for granted because I easily remember those times when finding work was really difficult.

Last year you starred in how to Have Sex, which features a sexual assault storyline. Did you have any concerns about these scenes?

I think it’s human nature to be a little nervous before filming sex scenes. They’re always a bit awkward, but we had an intimacy coordinator who worked with us during our rehearsals in London. By the time we were on the set of Malia in Greece, everything was choreographed and we knew exactly what we were doing.

Do you have any favorite films among the films nominated this year?

All of us, strangers. It’s beautiful. That’s what I love about British films: they’re so real and honest and they always touch you. When I watch a movie, I say to myself, “Bring me the drama.”

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