I Swear Biopic Earns Six BAFTA Nominations

The British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) have once again shone a spotlight on powerful storytelling, with this year’s nominations marking a significant moment for Scottish cinema and the portrayal of disability on screen. At the heart of the buzz is I Swear, a moving biopic tracing the life of Scottish Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson, which has secured six nominations for the 2026 ceremony, including some of the most prestigious categories in British film.

Directed, written, and produced by Kirk Jones, I Swear brings to life the extraordinary journey of Davidson—a Galashiels caretaker whose battle with severe Tourette Syndrome has made him a familiar figure in British advocacy circles. The film, which premiered in the UK in October 2025, has rapidly garnered both critical and popular acclaim. According to The Daily Record, it boasts a remarkable 100 percent critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 99 percent viewer score, with The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw describing it as a “terrifically warm, generous film.”

Shot on location across Scotland—including East Dunbartonshire, North Lanarkshire, Glasgow, and Davidson’s own hometown of Galashiels—the film is grounded in authenticity. Its opening night at Merlin Cinemas in Galashiels saw a standing ovation, and the movie quickly became the most-watched at the venue since the chain took over last year, as reported by Hello Rayo.

At the center of I Swear is the performance of Robert Aramayo, whose portrayal of John Davidson has earned him nominations for both Best Leading Actor and the coveted EE Rising Star Award, the latter voted for by the public. Aramayo, a Hull-born actor known for his roles in Game of Thrones and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, is up against industry heavyweights like Leonardo DiCaprio (One Battle After Another) and Timothée Chalamet (Marty Supreme).

In an interview with BBC News, Aramayo expressed his astonishment at the recognition: “It’s unbelievable. Everybody on it worked so hard and was very focused on telling the most authentic story that we could.” He went on to describe the role as the “biggest challenge” of his career, but also “really rewarding,” noting the extensive support he received from the cast and crew.

Aramayo’s commitment to the role extended beyond the set. According to John Davidson, Aramayo immersed himself in Davidson’s day-to-day life for weeks, renting accommodation in Scott Street and shadowing him to capture every nuance—from how he walked and talked to the way he held his key fob. Davidson praised the actor’s dedication, saying, “Rob is a method actor and wanted to be part of my day-to-day life to learn more about the condition and become me for the film. And he has smashed it, big time! People who have seen previews of the film have said to me: ‘If you close your eyes and listen, you would think that’s you ticking on the TV.’”

The film’s depiction of Davidson’s life is unflinching, chronicling his journey from a bullied teenager—often shamed for his involuntary tics—to a tireless campaigner for Tourette’s awareness, eventually earning an MBE from The Queen. The narrative is punctuated with real documentary footage, including clips from the acclaimed 1989 film John’s Not Mad, which first brought Davidson’s story to a wide audience and is credited with raising national awareness of Tourette’s syndrome.

Alongside Aramayo, the supporting cast includes Scottish veteran Peter Mullan, who has been nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Tommy Trotter. Mullan faces stiff competition from a global roster, including Benicio Del Toro, Jacob Elordi, Paul Mescal, Sean Penn, and Stellan Skarsgård. The ensemble is rounded out by talents such as Maxine Peake and Shirley Henderson, adding further depth to the film’s portrayal of community and resilience.

I Swear is not alone in representing Scotland at this year’s BAFTAs. Die My Love, directed by Lynne Ramsay, is also up for Outstanding British Film, while Glasgow-based filmmaker Luke Angus has received a nomination in the British Short Animation category for Solstice, a 3D animation exploring the solitary life of an Inuit in the far north.

The 79th BAFTA Film Awards, set to be held at the Royal Festival Hall in London on February 22, 2026, will see I Swear competing in Outstanding British Film, Best Original Screenplay, Casting, Best Leading Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and the Rising Star categories. The film is up against formidable contenders, with One Battle After Another leading the nominations with 14 nods, followed by Sinners (13), Hamnet and Marty Supreme (11 each), and Frankenstein and Sentimental Value (eight each).

Kirk Jones, the film’s writer and director, has been effusive in his praise for Aramayo, telling BBC Breakfast, “He was extraordinary. I knew that he was the person that I wanted in the role.” The film’s meticulous attention to detail and commitment to authenticity have set it apart in a crowded field, with Jones and his team striving to ensure that Davidson’s story would not only resonate with audiences, but also spark broader conversations about Tourette’s and disability.

Aramayo’s journey to this point has been marked by steady ascent. A graduate of The Juilliard School, he previously won the BIFA for Best Lead Performance, and his role in I Swear has further cemented his reputation as one of Britain’s most promising actors. The BAFTA Rising Star Award, which he is also up for, is unique in that it is decided by public vote—offering fans a direct say in the outcome and a chance to win tickets to the ceremony.

The significance of I Swear extends beyond its awards tally. By bringing John Davidson’s story to the big screen, the film has reignited national conversations about Tourette’s syndrome, stigma, and the power of representation. As Aramayo himself put it, “Hopefully it will help propel more people to go and watch the film and lead to deeper conversations about Tourette’s, that would be amazing.”

With the BAFTA ceremony fast approaching, all eyes are on I Swear—not just as a leading contender for top honors, but as a testament to the impact that authentic, heartfelt storytelling can have on audiences and society alike.