British actor Robert Aramayo has won the Bafta for Best Actor, beating Hollywood heavyweights Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet. The 33-year-old from Hull took the prize at Sunday night's ceremony at London's Royal Festival Hall for his role in the film I Swear.
Aramayo plays real-life Tourette syndrome campaigner John Davidson, who was present at the awards. Davidson's involuntary tics caused some confusion among viewers, who initially mistook his shouts for heckling.
Accepting the award from presenter Kerry Washington, a visibly shocked Aramayo said: 'I absolutely can't believe this. I can't believe I'm here looking at people like you, in the same category as you.' He thanked the film's team, including director Kirk Jones and casting agent Lauren Evans, who had earlier won the Best Casting Bafta.
Aramayo also recalled a speech given by fellow nominee Ethan Hawke during his time at Juilliard, saying it had a great impact on him. It was Aramayo's second win of the night, having also taken the EE Rising Star Bafta for the same role.
Set in 1980s Galashiels, I Swear follows Davidson's journey as he develops tics that evolve into involuntary swearing. Davidson was awarded an MBE in 2019 for his work educating the public about Tourette's.
