Robert Aramayo stunned the BAFTA Film Awards on Sunday, winning Best Leading Actor for his role in the British film I Swear. The English actor, best known for his work in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, beat out Hollywood heavyweights Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet for the prize.
Aramayo also took home the Rising Star Award, becoming the first performer in BAFTA history to win both the emerging talent prize and the Leading Actor award in a single night. His double victory sparked jubilant scenes at London’s Royal Festival Hall.
In his Leading Actor acceptance speech, Aramayo expressed disbelief at his win. “I honestly cannot believe that I have won this award. I really, really cannot. Everyone in this category blows me away,” he said. He also thanked fellow nominee Ethan Hawke, who inspired him during a talk at Juilliard. “When I was in school, Ethan Hawke came in to speak to us at Juilliard and he gave an amazing talk on longevity as an actor, about protecting your instrument and avoiding self-destructive behaviors,” Aramayo recalled. “So to be in this category with you tonight is incredible. Thank you, Ethan.”
Aramayo won the Leading Actor award for his portrayal of Tourette syndrome campaigner John Davidson in I Swear. In his Rising Star speech, he described Davidson as “the most remarkable man I’ve ever met.”
