BAFTA Winner Robert Aramayo in Shock After Beating Leonardo DiCaprio
Variety
by Naman RamachandranFebruary 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Robert Aramayo made history at the BAFTAs by winning the Leading Actor award for his role in *I Swear*, beating a star-studded lineup including Leonardo DiCaprio and Ethan Hawke. In a moment of genuine emotion, Aramayo struggled to believe he had won, expressing deep gratitude to his fellow nominees, particularly Hawke, whom he remembered from a career-defining talk during his school days. His victory was met with shock and celebration, as the film also picked up other awards, including the EE Rising Star Award for Aramayo and the Casting Award for Lauren Evans.
The film *I Swear* follows John Davidson, a young man with severe Tourette syndrome navigating societal rejection in 1980s Scotland. The portrayal of his challenges and eventual advocacy for the disorder is a stark contrast to previous media depictions that often sensationalized or trivialized the condition. Aramayo’s performance was praised for its authenticity and depth, earning him multiple accolades, including the British Independent Film Award and London Critics Circle Film Awards before the BA
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Originally published on Variety on 2/22/2026