British actor Robert Aramayo has defied the odds and won the Bafta for Best Actor over Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet.
Aramayo, 33, emerged as the unlikely victor in the competitive category at the film awards, which were held at London’s Royal Festival Hall on Sunday night (22 February).
The Yorkshire-born actor won for his performance in I Swear as real-life Tourette Syndrome campaigner John Davidson, who was present at the event and whose tics caused some confusion among viewers at home who misinterpreted his involuntary shouting as heckling.
Aramayo was up against heavy-hitters and long-time industry favourites such as DiCaprio (One Battle After Another), Timothee Chalamet (Marty Supreme), Ethan Hawke (Blue Moon), Michael B Jordan (Sinners), Jesse Plemons (Bugonia).
He appeared gobsmacked at his win, gasping as he was presented the award by Kerry Washington.
“I absolutely can’t believe this. I can’t believe I’m here looking at people like you, in the same category as you,” he said, pointing to DiCaprio in the audience. “Never mind being stood up here.”
Aramayo thanked the team behind I Swear, including director Kirk Jones and casting agent Lauren Evans – who had won the prize for casting.
“I honestly cannot believe that I have won this award,” he reitertated. “I really, really cannot. Everyone i nthis category blows me away.”
The actor went on to recall a visit from Hawke during his time as a student at Juilliard acting school, when the Training Day star gave a speech that left an impact on him and his classmates.
“He gave an amazing talk on longevity as an actor, about protecting your instrument, and avoiding self-destructive behaviours and it had a great impact on everyone in that room so to be in this category with you tonight is incredible,” said Aramayo. “Thank you Ethan.”
It was his second win of the night, having earlier won the EE Rising Star Bafta for the same role.
More to follow…
