Robert Aramayo’s BAFTA Win and the John Davidson Tics in I Swear

Robert Aramayo’s preparation for his role in the film “I Swear” went beyond traditional acting methods, as he immersed himself in the daily life of John Davidson, a man living with Tourette syndrome, to authentically portray the character. This deep commitment not only earned Aramayo a BAFTA award for Best Actor but also brought widespread attention to Davidson’s tics, which became a focal point of discussion following the film’s release.

The film “I Swear,” released in 2025, centers on a man navigating life with Tourette syndrome while confronting personal and societal challenges. To prepare for the role, Aramayo spent weeks shadowing Davidson, observing his behaviors, speech patterns and coping mechanisms in real-world settings. This approach allowed the actor to move beyond scripted performance and incorporate genuine nuances into his portrayal.

Aramayo’s dedication to authenticity was recognized at the 2026 BAFTA Awards, where he won Best Actor for his performance. In his acceptance speech, he credited Davidson’s openness and trust as essential to his preparation, stating that the experience changed his understanding of neurological conditions and the importance of representation in film.

Davidson’s tics, which include both motor and vocal manifestations, drew significant attention during promotional events and screenings. While some viewers praised the film for its sensitive depiction, others sparked conversations about how Tourette syndrome is portrayed in media, particularly regarding the balance between realism and potential sensationalism.

In interviews following the BAFTA win, Davidson expressed gratitude for Aramayo’s respectful approach, noting that the actor consulted with him throughout the process and sought consent before incorporating specific behaviors into the performance. Davidson emphasized that the goal was not to mimic his condition but to convey the lived experience behind it.

The film’s director, Lena Weiss, confirmed in a recent interview with The Guardian that Aramayo’s method was developed in collaboration with neurologists and advocacy groups to ensure accuracy and respect. She added that the production consulted with Tourette Syndrome Association UK during both pre-production and post-release phases to address community feedback.

“I Swear” has since been featured in several disability film festivals, including the ReelAbilities Film Festival in New York and the Superfest Disability Film Festival in San Francisco, where it received praise for centering a disabled character’s narrative without reducing them to their condition. Critics have highlighted the film’s nuanced storytelling and Aramayo’s restrained yet powerful performance as key strengths.

The BAFTA win has renewed conversations about method acting and ethical preparation in portraying disability on screen. While some industry observers caution against replicating such intense immersion without proper safeguards, others view Aramayo’s approach as a model for respectful, research-driven performance when done in partnership with the communities being portrayed.

As of April 2026, “I Swear” continues to screen in select art-house theaters and is available on major streaming platforms. Neither Aramayo nor Davidson has announced upcoming projects together, but both have expressed interest in future collaborations that promote authentic storytelling around neurodiversity.