British actor stuns BAFTA as he wins Best Actor beating Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothee
When the winner’s name was announced at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards, the room froze for a split second.
Then came the shock.
Robert Aramayo had just defeated a lineup of Hollywood heavyweights — Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet, Ethan Hawke, Jesse Plemons, and Michael B. Jordan — to win Best Actor at the BAFTA Film Awards.
And even he couldn’t believe it.
“I honestly cannot believe that I have won this award,” Aramayo said tearfully. “Everyone in this category blows me away.”
Why Robert Aramayo’s BAFTA Win Is Such a Big Deal
In simple terms: this was one of the biggest BAFTA upsets in recent years.
Aramayo won for his powerful performance in I Swear, where he portrays real-life Tourette syndrome advocate John Davidson. The film, set in 1980s Scotland, tells the emotional story of a young man navigating rejection, misunderstanding, and stigma — before emerging as a national voice for Tourette awareness.
He wasn’t the expected frontrunner.
Many industry watchers predicted a win for DiCaprio (“One Battle After Another”) or Chalamet (“Marty Supreme”). Instead, BAFTA voters honored a deeply human performance that focused on vulnerability, resilience, and authenticity.
That decision signals something important: performance depth is outweighing star power.
What Makes “I Swear” So Powerful?
Unlike many past portrayals of Tourette syndrome, I Swear avoids stereotypes and shock value.
Emma McNally, CEO of Tourettes Action, previously praised the film for presenting the condition with compassion rather than sensationalism. The movie highlights:
- The reality of involuntary tics and outbursts
- Social stigma in the 1980s
- Family rejection and misunderstanding
- The journey toward advocacy and self-acceptance
John Davidson himself attended the ceremony but left midway after experiencing involuntary outbursts. Host Alan Cumming thanked the audience for their understanding — a moment that reflected the film’s core message: empathy.
Aramayo’s Emotional Acceptance Speech
Aramayo’s speech was raw and unscripted.
He shared a story about Ethan Hawke speaking at Juilliard during his student days, recalling advice about “protecting your instrument” and avoiding self-destructive behavior.
“To be in this category with you tonight is incredible. Thank you, Ethan,” he said.
Still visibly overwhelmed, he ended simply:
“OK I’m going to stop talking now. Thank you so so so so much.”
It felt genuine — and that authenticity resonated with viewers.
A Career-Defining Moment
Many audiences also know Aramayo as Elrond in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. But this BAFTA win firmly establishes him as a serious dramatic lead.
Before the BAFTAs, he had already won:
- British Independent Film Award for Best Lead Performance
- London Critics Circle Film Awards’ Breakthrough Performer
This was his first BAFTA Film Award nomination — and he turned it into a victory.
“I Swear” also won the EE Rising Star Award for Aramayo and earned multiple nominations, though it lost Outstanding British Film to Hamnet.
What Happens Next?
The film recently secured a U.S. release after premiering at TIFF and is now eligible for the Oscars next year. Following this BAFTA momentum, industry insiders are watching closely to see if Aramayo becomes a serious Academy Awards contender.
If that happens, this “upset” win may turn into a launchpad for global recognition.
Why This Win Matters Beyond Awards
At its heart, this story isn’t about beating DiCaprio or Chalamet.
It’s about:
- Representation of neurological conditions
- Compassionate storytelling
- Celebrating emerging talent
- Rewarding authenticity over celebrity
And that’s why audiences are talking about it.
Sometimes, the most powerful performances aren’t the loudest — they’re the most honest.
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