Robert Aramayo Stuns, Beats Leonardo DiCaprio at Bafta

At last night’s Bafta ceremony in London, Robert Aramayo claimed a remarkable victory by winning Best Actor, surpassing veteran Leonardo DiCaprio. This win, combined with his Rising Star award, made the 33-year-old actor from Hull the night’s standout figure. Aramayo’s role in the film I Swear, which highlights the experiences of Tourette syndrome campaigner John Davidson, significantly contributed to this achievement, bringing fresh attention to a largely misunderstood neurological condition.

Portraying Tourette Syndrome with Depth and Empathy

In I Swear, Robert Aramayo delivers a powerful performance as John Davidson, who battles Tourette syndrome, a disorder that causes involuntary motor and vocal tics. The film explores Davidson’s journey from experiencing symptoms as a teenager in the 1980s to challenging social stigma surrounding the condition. Aramayo prepared for the role by spending a month living near Davidson in Galashiels, Scotland, allowing him to capture the nuances and emotional complexities authentically. His portrayal is both charismatic and sensitive, garnering praise for illuminating the daily realities faced by the estimated 300,000 people in the UK living with Tourette syndrome.

Balancing Film Success with Theatre’s Emotional Demands

Alongside his Bafta-winning film career, Aramayo has been captivating audiences in London’s Royal Court Theatre with the critically acclaimed play Guess How Much I Love You?. The drama centers on a couple facing heartbreaking news during a 20-week pregnancy scan, a narrative that demands intense emotional delivery. Aramayo’s urgency and passion on stage have deeply moved viewers. Reflecting on his hectic schedule, he shared,

“I’m absolutely knackered, I won’t lie to you. It’s a bit of a mental time. You know when you’re at this point in your life where people are just like, ‘What about that? And what about some of this as well? Can you handle that?’ At what point is your plate a bit too full? I guess I’m going to find out.”

— Robert Aramayo

Early Life and Path to Stardom

Robert Aramayo was raised in Hull in the 1990s, born into a family without theatrical roots—his father made sofas while his mother worked in foster care and ran a business selling safety clothing. His penchant for mischief at school included impersonating his Irish maths teacher, yet acting caught his attention early. At age seven, he landed the lead in a primary school production of Bugsy Malone. Two years later, he joined the Hull Truck Youth Theatre, performing throughout his adolescence.

Driven by ambition, a 16-year-old Aramayo sought the

“best drama school in the world”

on Google, which led him to New York City’s Juilliard School. This pivotal choice laid the groundwork for his acting career. At last night’s Bafta awards, Aramayo thanked fellow nominee Ethan Hawke for a talk that profoundly influenced him during his Juilliard studies, a moment that visibly touched Hawke.

A Steady Climb Through Film and Television Roles

Before I Swear, Aramayo built a diverse portfolio with supporting roles in notable projects. He played Turk, a gang member in Nocturnal Animals; Sergeant Major Atkins in The King’s Man; a young Ned Stark in Game of Thrones; and half-Elven politician Elrond in The Rings of Power. In 2025, he portrayed British army officer Orde Wingate in the historical drama Palestine 36. Though consistent in his work, it is clearly I Swear that has become his breakthrough role, bringing not only award recognition but also personal connections with those affected by the condition he depicts.

Following the film, Aramayo has developed a close friendship with mental health nurse Dottie Achenbach, who supported Davidson throughout his journey. He revealed,

“I’m very, very close with her,”

and added,

“And we never talk about the film!”

— Robert Aramayo

Potential Futures and Upcoming Projects

Despite the whirlwind of activity so far in 2026, Robert Aramayo currently has no publicly announced projects lined up. However, it seems likely that Guess How Much I Love You? will transfer to London’s West End, considering the sold-out Royal Court run and strong critical acclaim. Should Aramayo return to the role, he will continue to command attention on stage. Meanwhile, fans and industry insiders anticipate that offers and new opportunities will arrive soon following his Bafta success. As Aramayo’s phone presumably rings off the hook, the acting world waits to see where this rising star will set his sights next.