Robert Aramayo Claims Best Actor Honour at the BAFTAs

In one of the most unexpected turns of the 2026 awards season, Robert Aramayo clinched the Best Actor trophy at the BAFTA Film Awards, stunning audiences and industry insiders alike.

The British actor triumphed over a formidable line-up that included Timothée Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael B. Jordan, Jesse Plemons and Ethan Hawke—a result few had predicted going into the night.

A win no one saw coming

When Aramayo’s name echoed through the Royal Festival Hall, the reaction was instant disbelief. Gasps swept across the auditorium, as many had expected Chalamet to take the award for his performance in Marty Supreme.

But it was the emotional response from Aramayo’s father that truly captured hearts. Cameras caught him springing to his feet in sheer astonishment, cheering and wrapping his son in a long, joyful embrace—a raw, unscripted moment that quickly became one of the night’s most talked-about highlights.

A heartfelt acceptance

Clearly overwhelmed, Aramayo addressed the audience with visible emotion, expressing disbelief at standing among such celebrated peers. He singled out DiCaprio while acknowledging the entire category, admitting he never imagined himself winning.

The speech took an especially poignant turn when he paid tribute to Hawke, recalling a formative talk the actor gave years earlier at Juilliard in New York. Aramayo credited the talk—focused on longevity, discipline and protecting one’s craft—as deeply influential during his student years.

Later backstage, Aramayo explained why he felt compelled to share the memory, saying the moment felt too important to let pass. He also revealed he would welcome the chance to work with Hawke in the future.

A night of double success

The Best Actor win capped an extraordinary evening for Aramayo, who earlier collected the Rising Star Award, the only BAFTA decided by public vote. He prevailed over nominees including Miles Caton, Chase Infiniti, Archie Madekwe and Posy Sterling.

Until recent years, Aramayo was best recognised for portraying young Ned Stark in Game of Thrones and for his role as Elrond in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.

About I Swear

Aramayo won for his performance in I Swear, directed by Kirk Jones. The film tells the true story of John Davidson, a UK-based Tourette syndrome advocate whose early life was marked by misunderstanding, injustice and delayed diagnosis.

Davidson was not formally diagnosed until the age of 25, and the film chronicles the discrimination and legal troubles he faced before transforming his experiences into public education and advocacy work. He was awarded an MBE in 2019 for his services.

Davidson attended the first half of the ceremony but later exited due to involuntary vocal tics. Host Alan Cumming addressed the audience directly, explaining the nature of Tourette syndrome and urging understanding, reinforcing the event’s message of inclusion and respect.

Davidson later praised Aramayo’s portrayal as “absolutely phenomenal,” saying the performance captured both the reality and humanity of living with the condition.

Looking ahead

Although I Swear was not eligible for the 2026 Oscars due to its release timeline, it is already being viewed as a strong contender for the 2027 Academy Awards. With a US release scheduled for April via Sony Classics, both the film and Aramayo are expected to feature prominently in early awards-season conversations.

For Aramayo, the BAFTA night marked not just a career milestone—but a moment of recognition that few will soon forget.