Robert Aramayo emerged as the surprise winner at the BAFTA Film Awards, securing Best Leading Actor ahead of Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet. The English actor, known for his role in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, won for his portrayal of Tourette syndrome campaigner John Davidson in the British film I Swear.
Aramayo also claimed the Rising Star Award, becoming the first performer in BAFTA history to win both the emerging talent prize and Leading Actor in one night. His Leading Actor win sparked jubilation at London's Royal Festival Hall.
During his acceptance speech, Aramayo expressed disbelief: “I honestly cannot believe that I have won this award. I really, really cannot. Everyone in this category blows me away.” He thanked fellow nominee Ethan Hawke for inspiring his acting journey, recalling a talk Hawke gave at Juilliard about longevity and avoiding self-destructive behaviors.
In his Rising Star speech, Aramayo described Davidson as “the most remarkable man I’ve ever met.”
