Last night’s Bafta ceremony delivered a genuine surprise, and a deeply moving moment, as Hull-born actor Robert Aramayo beat Leonardo DiCaprio to win the Best Actor award for his performance in I Swear. The win, his second of the night following a Rising Star award, capped a remarkable month for the 33-year-old, who is simultaneously captivating audiences in London’s West End.
Aramayo’s victory wasn’t just a personal triumph; it also shone a spotlight on Tourette’s syndrome, the neurological condition at the heart of I Swear. The film, based on the life of campaigner John Davidson, portrays the challenges and misconceptions surrounding the condition with both humor and heartbreaking honesty. Aramayo’s portrayal has been widely praised for its empathy and sensitivity, qualities he developed through a month spent living near Davidson in Scotland to prepare for the role.
The moment of victory itself was characteristically humble. Accepting the award, Aramayo gestured towards DiCaprio, expressing disbelief at being nominated alongside such established stars. “I can’t believe I’m looking at people like you and I’m in the same category as you. Never mind that I’m standing up here,” he said, visibly moved. Reports suggest DiCaprio himself appeared touched by the gesture.
But Aramayo’s success extends beyond the film. He’s currently starring in Guess How Much I Love You? at the Royal Court Theatre in London, a production that has garnered critical acclaim and sold-out audiences. The play tackles the difficult subject of navigating an impossible decision during pregnancy, and Aramayo’s performance has been described as electric. The production’s success has fueled speculation about a potential West End transfer.
Aramayo’s journey to this point is a testament to dedication and a bit of luck. Growing up in Hull, he had no family background in acting. His father was a sofa maker, and his mother ran a business selling safety clothing. He first discovered a passion for performance in a primary school production of Bugsy Malone, playing the lead role at age seven. This early experience led him to the Hull Truck Youth Theatre, where he honed his skills throughout his teens.
At 16, Aramayo made a bold move, choosing to attend the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City after simply Googling “best drama school in the world.” He later recounted a particularly impactful moment during his time at Juilliard – a talk given by Ethan Hawke, whom he thanked during his Bafta acceptance speech. Hawke was reportedly moved by the acknowledgement.
Prior to I Swear, Aramayo steadily built a career with supporting roles in a diverse range of projects, including Nocturnal Animals, The King’s Man, Game of Thrones, and The Rings of Power. He also appeared in the historical drama Palestine 36 last year. However, it’s clear that I Swear represents a turning point, offering him his first leading role and the critical recognition he deserves.
The impact of I Swear extends beyond awards and accolades. Aramayo has formed a close friendship with Dottie Achenbach, a mental health nurse who worked with John Davidson. He noted in a recent interview that their conversations rarely revolve around the film itself, suggesting a deeper connection forged through the shared experience of Davidson’s story.
As of , Aramayo’s immediate future plans remain somewhat open. While a West End transfer for Guess How Much I Love You? seems likely, no further projects have been publicly announced. However, given the momentum generated by his Bafta wins and the critical acclaim surrounding his work, it’s safe to assume that opportunities will be plentiful. The industry, and audiences alike, will be watching closely to see what he does next.
