LONDON, England — In a ceremony that will be remembered for one of the most significant upsets in the history of the British Academy Film Awards, the 2026 BAFTAs delivered a shockwave through the Royal Festival Hall. Robert Aramayo, the rising star known for his intensity and transformative performances, took home the Best Actor trophy for his searing portrayal of John Davidson in the biographical drama I Swear.
In doing so, Aramayo managed the unthinkable: beating out Hollywood titans Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet, both of whom were considered the heavy frontrunners of the 2026 awards season.
A Category of Giants
The Best Actor category was arguably the most competitive of the night, featuring a lineup of powerhouse performances that defined the cinematic year:
- Leonardo DiCaprio (One Battle After Another): A grueling historical epic.
- Timothée Chalamet (Marty Supreme): A high-energy, transformative biopic.
- Michael B. Jordan (Sinners): A critically acclaimed turn in Ryan Coogler’s latest.
- Ethan Hawke (Blue Moon): A career-best performance from the veteran actor.
- Jesse Plemons (Bugonia): A surrealist masterclass.
When presenter Kerry Washington opened the envelope, a momentary hush fell over the audience before erupting into a roar of applause for Aramayo. The win marks a pivotal shift in the awards landscape, signaling that the Academy’s voters prioritized raw, social-impact storytelling over star power.
Disbelief on Center Stage
Robert Aramayo, perhaps the most surprised person in the room, took to the stage with a look of genuine shock. His acceptance speech was a masterclass in humility, as he struggled to process standing at the same podium where his idols had stood before him.
“I absolutely can’t believe this,” Aramayo admitted, gesturing toward the front row. “I can’t believe I’m here looking at people like you, in the same category as you. Never mind being stood up here.”
Aramayo took a moment to single out fellow nominee Ethan Hawke, recalling an influential visit Hawke made to the Juilliard School while Aramayo was a student. The “full-circle” moment brought a touch of emotional gravity to the celebration, highlighting the journey of a classically trained actor reaching the pinnacle of his craft.
The Power of “I Swear”
Directed by Kirk Jones, I Swear has become the “little film that could” of 2026. The Scottish biographical film tells the harrowing and ultimately triumphant life story of John Davidson, an activist who grew up in the 1980s battling Tourette’s syndrome during a time when the condition was widely misunderstood.
Aramayo’s performance has been praised by critics for its “unflinching honesty” and “profound empathy.” By capturing the isolation, physical exhaustion, and eventual resilience of Davidson, Aramayo did more than just act—he served as a vessel for a community that has long felt invisible in mainstream media.
The film also triumphed in other categories during the night, including:
- Best Casting
- The Rising Star Award (also awarded to Aramayo earlier in the evening)
A Shift in the Oscar Race?
Before tonight, the “Oscar-watch” narrative was largely a duel between DiCaprio and Chalamet. However, Aramayo’s BAFTA victory—often a bellwether for the Academy Awards—has thrown the race into a tailspin.
Industry analysts suggest that the “snub” of the Hollywood A-listers isn’t necessarily a critique of their work, but rather a testament to the undeniable power of a breakout performance in an independent film. With the Oscars just weeks away, all eyes are now on whether Aramayo can repeat this “Cinderella story” on the global stage.
Summary of the Best Actor Nominees (2026)
| Actor | Film | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Robert Aramayo | I Swear | WINNER |
| Leonardo DiCaprio | One Battle After Another | Nominated |
| Timothée Chalamet | Marty Supreme | Nominated |
| Michael B. Jordan | Sinners | Nominated |
| Ethan Hawke | Blue Moon | Nominated |
| Jesse Plemons | Bugonia | Nominated |