Robert Aramayo delivered one of the most emotional moments of the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards when he paid tribute to Ethan Hawke during his Best Actor acceptance speech on Sunday, February 22.
The 33-year-old English actor stunned audiences by winning the coveted award for his performance in I sweara biopic about the life of activist John Davidson who suffered from severe Tourette syndrome.
Beating out heavyweights including Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael B. Jordan, Jesse Plemons and Timothée Chalamet, Aramayo was visibly overwhelmed as he took the stage.
Robert said: “I absolutely can’t believe this. I can’t believe I’m looking at people like you. [Leonardo] it doesn’t matter that I’m there.
“I honestly can’t believe I won this award. I really can’t. Everyone in this category blows my mind,” he added.
In his speech, Aramayo recalled a formative moment at Juilliard when the Before sunrise The star visited his class.
He recalled that Hawke spoke about longevity in acting, protecting one’s craft and avoiding self-destructive habits.
“It had a big impact on everyone in that room” Lord of the Rings » said an elder, turning to Hawke in the audience.
The camera captured Hawke holding back tears, hiding her face in her hand before offering a warm smile and a nod of encouragement.
Aramayo’s father jumped for joy in the audience when his son also won the Rising Star Award, voted for by the public.
THE Game of Thrones actor, dedicated his victories to his family and I swear team, calling Davidson “the most amazing person I’ve ever met.”
