Gierszał has been selected from a list of twenty three candidates nominated by the European Film Promotions.
Shooting Stars is supported by the Media Programme of the European Union.
The other shortlisted young stars come from Ireland, Sweden, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Iceland, Romania and Switzerland.
The up-and-coming actors will all be presented as the new acting talent at the Berlin International Film Festival in February 2012, after which they will take part in workshops, press meetings and festival tours.
Twenty three year-old Jakub Gierszał has several highly-acclaimed performances, including in Jacek Borcuch’s All That I Love and ‘Lasting Moments’ and Jan Komasa’s Suicide Room.
The international jury of Shooting Stars wrote in its verdict: “From the moment you see him, it is clear that Gierszał was born to be on the big screen. Revealing a kaleidoscope of emotions, his ability to draw you into a story is unparalleled. He is touching, believable, sensitive – a pure and unique talent”.
He is the third Polish actor to receive the Shooting Star title, after Agnieszka Grochowska (2007) and Agata Buzek (2010). (mk/pg)