At the 2026 BAFTA Awards, Robert Aramayo delivered a stunning upset, clinching the Best Leading Actor award for his role in I Swear. The night, which many expected to feature a victory for Leonardo DiCaprio or Timothée Chalamet, saw Aramayo rise to the occasion and claim both the Best Actor award and the prestigious EE Rising Star Award earlier in the evening. This unexpected win from the 33-year-old actor from Hull marks a major turning point in his career.
Aramayo’s performance in I Swear, where he plays John Davidson, a Scottish campaigner with severe Tourette's syndrome, was nothing short of transformative. The role, which had the potential to fall into exaggeration, was portrayed with remarkable restraint and humanity, earning critical acclaim for its realism and empathy. Set in the 1980s, the film focuses on a time when Davidson’s condition was widely misunderstood and mocked, and Aramayo’s portrayal manages to balance the discomfort of this reality without ever sensationalizing it. The actor’s performance has been widely praised for its depth and authenticity, making it one of the standout performances of the year.
For audiences familiar with Aramayo's previous work in Game of Thrones as young Ned Stark and as Elrond in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, this role was a far cry from the ethereal and heroic characters he had previously portrayed. His performance in I Swear is a testament to his range as an actor, showing that he is much more than a supporting character in epic fantasy series. When Aramayo took the stage to accept his BAFTA award, he looked genuinely stunned, expressing disbelief at the recognition from his peers. His emotional acceptance speech, where he graciously thanked fellow nominee Ethan Hawke, highlighted not just his acting skill but his humility as well.
Aramayo’s win sends a powerful message to Hollywood: talent can emerge from unexpected places, and smaller films can have a major impact. While DiCaprio and Chalamet are known for their star power, Aramayo’s ability to bring depth and sincerity to a lesser-known role proved to be a winning formula. This victory serves as a reminder that Hollywood is still captivated by authentic performances that tap into raw, human emotions, regardless of the film's budget or star power. As I Swear continues its international release, it’s clear that Robert Aramayo is no longer just a promising supporting actor but a leading force in
