Robert Aramayo proved to be the surprise package of the BAFTA Film Awards, stealing the thunder of Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet to win Best Leading Actor.
The English actor, who stars in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, won the prize for his portrayal of Tourette syndrome campaigner John Davidson in the British film, I Swear.
Aramayo also took home the Rising Star Award, becoming the first performer in BAFTA history to win the emerging talent prize and Leading Actor award in one night.
Aramayo’s Leading Actor win sparked scenes of jubilation at London’s Royal Festival Hall and, during his winner’s speech, the performer said he could not believe that he had triumphed.
“I honestly cannot believe that I have won this award. I really, really cannot. Everyone in this category blows me away.”
He also thanked fellow nominee Ethan Hawke for helping inspire his journey into acting. “When I was in school, Ethan Hawke came in to speak to us at Juilliard and he gave an amazing talk on longevity as an actor, about protecting your instrument and avoiding self-destructive behaviors,” he said. “And it had a really great impact on everyone in that room. So to be in this category with you tonight is incredible. Thank you, Ethan.”
In his Rising Star speech, Aramayo said Davidson was the “most remarkable man I’ve ever met.”
