Robert Aramayo Stuns BAFTAs with Best Actor Win in Major Upset
In one of the most unexpected moments of the night, British actor Robert Aramayo pulled off a dramatic upset at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards, claiming the Best Actor prize ahead of a field stacked with Hollywood heavyweights.
The ceremony, held at London’s prestigious Royal Festival Hall on Sunday (22 February), had been widely expected to deliver a predictable winner in the highly competitive category. Instead, the 33-year-old Hull-born performer emerged victorious, surpassing nominees including Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet, Ethan Hawke, Michael B. Jordan and Jesse Plemons.
Aramayo’s win came for his transformative portrayal of real-life Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson in the drama I Swear. The performance has been widely praised for its sensitivity and depth, capturing both the physical realities of Tourette’s syndrome and the emotional resilience of a man determined to challenge stigma.
Few pundits had predicted Aramayo would triumph over such established names. DiCaprio had been nominated for his leading role in One Battle After Another, while Chalamet received recognition for his turn in Marty Supreme. Hawke, Jordan and Plemons also entered the race with strong critical backing. Yet when the envelope was opened, it was Aramayo’s name that echoed through the hall.
The moment was made even more poignant by the presence of John Davidson himself, who attended the ceremony in support of the film. During the broadcast, some viewers at home initially misunderstood the involuntary vocal tics heard in the auditorium, mistaking them for interruptions. Those inside the venue, however, understood the significance of the moment — a powerful reminder of the lived reality behind Aramayo’s award-winning performance.
Presented with the trophy by Kerry Washington, Aramayo appeared visibly overwhelmed. His reaction was one of genuine disbelief, pausing to collect himself before addressing the audience filled with some of the biggest names in cinema.
“I absolutely can’t believe this,” he began, his voice wavering. “I can’t believe I’m standing here in a category with people I’ve admired for years.” Gesturing toward the audience — where DiCaprio sat among fellow nominees — Aramayo admitted he felt honoured simply to have been included in such company.
The actor went on to thank the creative team behind I Swear, singling out director Kirk Jones and casting director Lauren Evans. Evans had already taken to the stage earlier in the evening to collect the award for Best Casting, making it a particularly triumphant night for the film’s production team.
Aramayo also expressed gratitude to Davidson for trusting him with such a personal story. Industry observers have noted that portraying a real-life figure — particularly one with a neurological condition that is often misunderstood — requires both technical precision and emotional authenticity. Critics have commended Aramayo for avoiding caricature and instead delivering a layered, human performance that resonated with audiences.
The win marks a major milestone in Aramayo’s career. While he has previously built a reputation for strong supporting roles across film and television, this recognition positions him firmly among Britain’s leading acting talents. Awards analysts have described the victory as a testament to BAFTA voters’ willingness to reward depth and nuance over star power.
Beyond the personal triumph, the moment carried broader cultural weight. Representation of neurological conditions on screen has historically been limited or mishandled. I Swear has been credited with contributing to a more informed public conversation, blending drama with advocacy in a way that feels organic rather than didactic.
As the applause subsided and Aramayo exited the stage clutching his BAFTA mask, the sense of surprise lingered — but so too did admiration. In a category dominated by global superstars, the evening ultimately belonged to a British actor whose heartfelt performance struck a chord with voters.
In a year filled with cinematic spectacle and high-profile contenders, Robert Aramayo’s victory stood out as a reminder of what awards ceremonies can still deliver: the thrill of the unexpected, and the celebration of storytelling that moves beyond celebrity to genuine human connection.
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