Additional Coverage:
- Robert Aramayo: The Hull lad who beat Leonardo DiCaprio to a Bafta (the-independent.com)
From Hull to Hollywood: Robert Aramayo’s Emotional Bafta Win Over Leonardo DiCaprio
The recent Baftas ceremony was filled with memorable moments, but perhaps none as genuinely heartwarming as Robert Aramayo’s unexpected triumph in the Best Actor category. The young actor from Hull, best known for his role in I Swear, beat out Hollywood heavyweight Leonardo DiCaprio, leading to an emotional acceptance speech that left few dry eyes in the house.
A visibly stunned Aramayo, who also secured the Rising Star award earlier in the evening, took to the stage and, gesturing towards DiCaprio, expressed his disbelief: “I can’t believe I’m looking at people like you and I’m in the same category as you. Never mind that I’m stood here.” His raw emotion was palpable, moving not only the audience but even DiCaprio himself, who appeared to be on the verge of tears.
This significant win caps off an extraordinary month for the 33-year-old actor. Beyond his two Baftas, I Swear has garnered critical acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of Tourette syndrome.
In the film, Aramayo embodies real-life campaigner John Davidson, whose journey to redefine public perception of the neurological condition is both humorous and deeply touching. The film beautifully illustrates how individuals with Tourette’s are often shaped by the reactions of those around them.
Aramayo’s dedication to the role was evident; he spent a month living near Davidson in Galashiels, Scotland, to fully immerse himself in the character. His performance, brimming with charisma and empathy, is a powerful advocate for the estimated 300,000 people living with Tourette’s in the UK, making the film’s success a major moment for awareness.
Adding to his already packed schedule, Aramayo has also been captivating audiences in London’s most talked-about play, *Guess How Much I Love You? * at the Royal Court.
He brings the same intensity to this poignant role, portraying one half of a couple grappling with a devastating decision after their baby’s 20-week scan. The play has been met with rave reviews and is a testament to Aramayo’s versatility and compelling stage presence.
In a recent interview, Aramayo admitted to feeling “absolutely knackered,” acknowledging the whirlwind of his current success. “It’s a bit of a mental time,” he shared.
“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.”
Aramayo’s journey began in Hull in the 1990s, where his father worked as a sofa maker and his mother was involved in foster care and ran a business selling safety clothing. He confessed to being a “naughty” student, often sent out of class for impersonating his Irish maths teacher. His first foray into acting was at age seven, playing the lead in a primary school production of Bugsy Malone.
He further honed his craft at the Hull Truck Youth Theatre from the age of nine. Andy Feetom, his former theatre teacher at Wyke College, described him as “very shy and very humble,” always focused on the performance. Feetom fondly recalled Aramayo’s A-level practical exam, a mesmerizing scene from Jim Cartwright’s Two, which earned him top marks within seconds.
After college, Aramayo’s ambition led him to google “best drama school in the world,” which resulted in his acceptance to the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City. In a touching full-circle moment during his Bafta acceptance speech, he thanked fellow nominee Ethan Hawke, whose talk at Juilliard had profoundly impacted him. Hawke was visibly moved by the acknowledgement.
Prior to his breakthrough in I Swear, Aramayo built a solid resume with supporting roles in notable productions such as Nocturnal Animals, The King’s Man, and as a young Ned Stark in Game of Thrones. He also portrayed the half-Elven politician Elrond in The Rings of Power and starred in the historical drama Palestine 36.
His role in I Swear has not only propelled his career but also forged deep personal connections. He has become close friends with Dottie Achenbach, the mental health nurse who supported campaigner John Davidson. “I’m very, very close with her,” Aramayo shared, adding, “And we never talk about the film!”
Despite his incredibly busy start to 2026, Aramayo currently has no announced upcoming roles. However, with *Guess How Much I Love You?
- generating awards buzz and a potential West End transfer on the horizon, it’s likely his phone is ringing off the hook. One thing is clear: Robert Aramayo’s star is shining brighter than ever.
Read More About This Story:
- Robert Aramayo: The Hull lad who beat Leonardo DiCaprio to a Bafta (the-independent.com)