Robert Aramayo is among the nominees for this year’s Best Actor BAFTA award, competing with well-known actors such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael B. Jordan, and Timothée Chalamet. The Rings of Power star shared his reaction to being nominated, revealing that he was literally doing the dishes when he found out. This moment marked a significant milestone in his career and highlighted the surprising nature of the recognition.
Aramayo’s Performance in Dramatic Role Earns Critical Praise
Aramayo received the nomination for his portrayal in the film I Swear, which explores the early life of John Davidson, an advocate for people with Tourette syndrome during the 1980s in Galashiels. Set in a time when awareness about the condition was minimal, the movie depicts the challenges John faced from misunderstanding relatives, teachers, and strangers alike. His teachers and parents believed he was disruptive, while strangers misinterpreted his behavior as rude. The film’s sensitive approach highlights these misunderstandings and the support John later received from mental health nurse Dottie Achenbach, played by Maxine Peake, and community centre caretaker Tommy Trotter, portrayed by Peter Mullan.
Unexpected Success and the Heartfelt Connection Behind the Role
Initially, Aramayo did not anticipate that I Swear would garner such attention. Reflecting on his journey, he said,
“The first thing on my mind was John,”
emphasizing the importance of representing his story authentically. Aramayo recalled how he and writer-director Kirk Jones focused on doing justice to John’s experience, stating,
“I just think back to those early days, and me and Kirk being like, ‘How are we going to tell this story and do justice to him?’ Then I kept meeting all these incredible people who live with Tourette’s. I really, really care about them and their stories. And now here we are. I never expected any of this. It’s so lovely.”
The film itself has received five BAFTA nominations, including Outstanding British Film and Best Original Screenplay for Kirk Jones.
Immersing in John Davidson’s World to Portray Tourette Syndrome
To bring John’s character to life, Aramayo focused on capturing the unique way John navigates the world, beyond the surface symptoms. He explained,
“It was more about settling into John’s centre of gravity, into the way John moves through the world, how John holds himself – his physicality, his body – without focusing on the obvious.”
This approach allowed Aramayo to deliver a nuanced performance grounded in reality rather than stereotypes, earning respect from the Tourette community and audiences alike.
What This BAFTA Nomination Means for Aramayo and the Causes He Represents
Aramayo’s BAFTA nod places him among top-tier actors like Leonardo DiCaprio, reinforcing his rising profile in the film industry. His recognition in both the Best Actor category and the EE Rising Star award underscores not only his talent but also the growing visibility of stories centered on neurodiversity and mental health. The acclaim for I Swear is expected to raise awareness about Tourette syndrome and the challenges faced by those living with it, fostering greater empathy and understanding. Moving forward, Aramayo’s performance and this recognition signal potential for more impactful storytelling that highlights underrepresented experiences.
