English actor Robert Aramayo, in an evening filled with massive shocks, became the unexpected star of the 2026 BAFTAs, beating out some of Hollywood’s biggest icons to win the Best Actor award.
Known to many for his role in The Rings of PowerAramayo stole the show from fellow nominees Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet and Ethan Hawke with his powerful performance in the British film I swear.
It was a historic evening for the young performer, who also won the Rising Star Award earlier in the evening.
The double victory makes him the first person in BAFTA history to win both the Emerging Talent Award and the Best Actor Award in a single ceremony.
Taking the stage in tears, Aramayo admitted he was in complete shock.
“I honestly can’t believe I won this award. I really can’t. Everyone in this category blows my mind,” he told the audience at London’s Royal Festival Hall.
During his speech, he shared a touching story about fellow candidate Ethan Hawke, recalling a conversation he had with at Juilliard when Aramayo was a student.
He thanked Hawke for his advice on longevity and avoiding self-destructive habits, noting that being in the same category as his former inspiration was an incredible moment.
He also dedicated his Rising Star award to John Davidson, the real-life activist he plays in the film, calling him the most remarkable man he had ever met.
Directed by Kirk Jones, I swear is set in 1980s Scotland and follows Davidson’s journey as a young man with severe Tourette syndrome.
The film has been praised by charities like Tourettes Action for its compassionate approach, moving away from stereotypes to focus on resilience and the reality of living with the condition.
The ceremony itself, hosted by Alan Cumming, took place in the presence of the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Aramayo’s path to the BAFTAs was paved with previous wins at the British Independent Film Awards and the London Critics Circle.
Although I swear lost the Outstanding British Film category to Hamnetthe film now looks to the Oscars next year after its recent release in the United States.
