Robert Aramayo pulled off one of the greatest upsets in BAFTA history on Sunday night, beating out a Hollywood all-star cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Ethan Hawke, Timothée Chalamet, Jesse Plemons and Michael B. Jordan to win Best Actor for his role as real-life Tourette syndrome activist John Davidson in Kirk Jones’ The Vow.
“I just can’t believe it. I can’t believe I’m looking at people like you in the same category as you. Never mind that I’m standing here,” the actor, who also plays Elrond in Prime Video’s The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power, tearfully told his fellow nominees. “Honestly, I can’t believe I won this award. I really can’t believe it. I’m really amazed by everyone in this category.”
Aramayo went on to thank a number of people, including director and screenwriter Jones and Davidson, before sharing an anecdote from Hawke’s school days. “When I was a student, Ethan Hawke came to speak at Juilliard and gave a great talk about longevity as an actor, protecting your instrument, and avoiding self-destructive behavior,” the young actor recalled. “And it really had a huge impact on everyone in that room. So to be in this category with you tonight is incredible. Thank you, Ethan.”
Still in shock, he concluded, “Okay, let’s stop talking. Thank you very much.”
Earlier in the evening, Aramayo also received the EE Rising Star Award, and “I Swear” casting director Lauren Evans won the Casting Award. Co-star Peter Mullan was nominated for Best Supporting Actor, and the film was nominated for the Best British Film Award, but narrowly lost out to Hamnet in the category.
Set in Scotland in the 1980s, I Swear follows John Davidson, a young man with severe Tourette syndrome, whose symptoms include tics and verbal outbursts, at a time when the disease was little understood, as he overcomes rejection from his family and society and ultimately emerges as a national champion for the disorder.
Mr. Davidson attended the first half of the BAFTA ceremony, which was also attended by Prince William, Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, and the Prince of Wales, but he had to leave midway through the ceremony after becoming abusive several times. BAFTA host Alan Cumming apologized to anyone he offended and thanked viewers for their understanding.
Speaking to Variety ahead of the BAFTAs, Emma McNally, CEO of advocacy and research charity Tourette Action, told Variety: “Historically, depictions of Tourette’s in the media have tended to focus on shock value or reduce symptoms to punchlines. I Swear is very different. Rather than relying on stereotypes or sensationalism, it focuses on resilience, the challenges people face, and the everyday realities of living with Tourette’s.” It’s a powerful and thoughtful film that sparked meaningful conversations. ”
This BAFTA win marks Aramayo’s first BAFTA Film Award nomination. Aramayo won Best Actor at the British Independent Film Awards and Best Actor of the Year at the London Critics Circle Film Awards, ahead of the BAFTA ceremony.
“I Swear” was recently released in the United States and will be considered for next year’s Oscars. After premiering at TIFF last September, it was released in the UK in October 2025.
Aramayo beat Chalamet for Marty Supreme, DiCaprio for One Battle After Another, Hawke for Blue Moon, Jordan for Sinners, and Plemmons for Bugonia to win the BAFTA Best Actor award.
