Robert Aramayo pulled off one of the biggest BAFTA upsets in recent memory on Sunday night, winning the leading actor award ahead of Hollywood heavyweights including Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet, and Ethan Hawke. The actor, best known for playing Elrond in Amazon's 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power', took the prize for his portrayal of real-life Tourette syndrome campaigner John Davidson in Kirk Jones' film 'I Swear'.
An emotional Aramayo said: 'I absolutely can't believe it, I can't believe that I'm looking at people like you, in the same category as you, never mind that I'm stood here. I honestly cannot believe that I have won this award.' He thanked his fellow nominees, director Kirk Jones, and Davidson, and recalled a talk Ethan Hawke gave at Juilliard during his school days, saying it had a great impact on him.
Earlier in the evening, Aramayo also won the EE Rising Star Award. 'I Swear' casting director Lauren Evans won the casting award, while co-star Peter Mullan was nominated for supporting actor. The film was nominated for outstanding British film but lost to 'Hamnet'.
Set in 1980s Scotland, 'I Swear' follows John Davidson, a young man with severe Tourette syndrome, as he navigates rejection from family and society and emerges as a national advocate. Davidson attended the first half of the ceremony but left after involuntary outbursts; host Alan Cumming apologised to anyone offended.
Emma McNally, CEO of Tourettes Action, praised the film for its compassionate portrayal, saying it focuses on resilience and everyday realities rather than stereotypes. The BAFTA win is Aramayo's first film BAFTA nomination; he had already won the British Independent Film Award for best lead performance and the ALFS Breakthrough Performer award. 'I Swear' will be eligible for next year's Oscars after a recent US release.
