On a night when the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Film Awards promised the usual parade of Hollywood royalty and predictable winners, it was a relatively lesser-known British actor who stole the show. On February 22, 2026, at London’s Royal Festival Hall, Robert Aramayo stunned both audience and industry by clinching not only the Best Leading Actor award for his role in "I Swear," but also the coveted Rising Star Award—becoming the first performer in BAFTA history to take home both prizes in a single evening.
Aramayo’s win was nothing short of a seismic upset. The Best Leading Actor category was stacked with household names: Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet, Michael B. Jordan, Jesse Plemons, and Ethan Hawke. As reported by Deadline and Variety, the 33-year-old actor was visibly shocked when his name was announced, immediately covering his mouth in disbelief as presenter Kerry Washington read it out. "I absolutely can’t believe this," Aramayo said on stage, his voice trembling. "I can’t believe I’m looking at people like (DiCaprio) and I’m in the same category and never mind that I’m stood here."
Aramayo’s performance in "I Swear," a Scottish biopic directed by Kirk Jones, is already being hailed as a landmark. He portrayed John Davidson, a real-life campaigner diagnosed with severe Tourette syndrome at a young age. Davidson’s advocacy for the disorder, especially at a time when Tourette’s was widely misunderstood and stigmatized, forms the emotional backbone of the film. According to Variety, Davidson himself attended the first half of the BAFTA ceremony, though he left midway through due to involuntary outbursts—a moment that prompted host Alan Cumming to thank the audience for their understanding and apologize to anyone offended.
The significance of Aramayo’s win was not lost on those in attendance or on viewers at home. As The Nightly noted, the BAFTAs have often been criticized for mirroring American awards season trends, but this year’s ceremony took a bold turn by recognizing homegrown talent over international superstars. Aramayo’s triumph was a celebration of British cinema and a reminder that powerful storytelling and authentic performances can still surprise even the most seasoned industry watchers.
During his acceptance speech, Aramayo made a point of thanking Ethan Hawke, who was also nominated for his role in "Blue Moon." Hawke’s portrayal of lyricist Lorenz Hart, a man struggling with mental health before the opening of "Oklahoma!", has garnered critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination. But for Aramayo, Hawke’s influence was deeply personal. "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. "It had a really great impact on everyone in that room. So to be in this category with you tonight is incredible. Thank you, Ethan." Hawke, who was in the audience, was visibly moved by the tribute.
Aramayo’s dual win was not his first recognition for "I Swear." Earlier in the awards season, he had already picked up the Best Lead Performance at the British Independent Film Awards and the Breakthrough Performer of the Year at the London Critics Circle Film Awards. But the BAFTA double was historic. Never before had an actor claimed both the Rising Star (a publicly voted award) and Best Leading Actor on the same night. As Parade and Deadline both highlighted, this feat solidified Aramayo’s emergence as a major force in contemporary British acting.
"I Swear" itself has been lauded for its sensitive and realistic depiction of Tourette syndrome. Emma McNally, CEO of the charity Tourettes Action, told Variety that the film "focuses on resilience, the challenges people face, and the everyday realities of living with Tourette’s, rather than relying on stereotypes or sensationalism. It’s such a powerful, compassionate film that has opened up meaningful conversations." The film, set in 1980s Scotland, follows Davidson as he faces rejection from his family and society before ultimately emerging as a national advocate.
The night was not just about Aramayo. "One Battle After Another," directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, dominated the ceremony with six wins, including Best Film and Best Director. Sean Penn took home Best Supporting Actor for the same film, while Wunmi Mosaku won Best Supporting Actress for "Sinners." Jessie Buckley was named Best Leading Actress for "Hamnet," and the event also saw notable wins in technical and creative categories, from Best Cinematography to Best Original Score.
The BAFTA ceremony, attended by Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, was as much a celebration of the UK’s cinematic achievements as it was a showcase for international talent. As The Nightly reported, Prince William quipped about needing to be "in quite a calm state" to watch "Hamnet," hinting at the turbulent times for the royal family—a moment that added a touch of real-world drama to the proceedings.
For Aramayo, the journey to this moment has been anything but ordinary. Best known internationally for his roles as young Ned Stark in "Game of Thrones" and elf Elrond in "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" on Prime Video, he has quietly built a reputation for depth and authenticity. His work in "I Swear" not only brought the challenges of Tourette syndrome to mainstream audiences but also highlighted the importance of nuanced representation in media.
Looking ahead, "I Swear" is set for an Australian release in late March 2026 and is expected to be eligible for the Oscars next year after its recent U.S. debut. The film’s success at BAFTA has already sparked conversations about its awards potential across the Atlantic, especially given the overlap in voting bodies between BAFTA and the Academy Awards.
In an era when award shows often feel predictable, Robert Aramayo’s triumph was a breath of fresh air—a reminder that sometimes, the underdog really does come out on top. As the industry digests this historic night, one thing is clear: Aramayo’s star is rising, and the world is finally taking notice.