BAFTA Winner Robert Aramayo Surprised at Victory Over Leonardo DiCaprio
Robert Aramayo, the rising star of the film industry, achieved a significant milestone at the BAFTA ceremony held on Sunday night. His exceptional performance as John Davidson in “I Swear” earned him the leading actor award, a remarkably unexpected victory over renowned actors such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Ethan Hawke, Timothée Chalamet, Jesse Plemons, and Michael B. Jordan. This event marked a standout moment in the 2023 BAFTAs, showcasing Aramayo’s talent among Hollywood’s elite.
Victory at the BAFTAs
During his emotional acceptance speech, Aramayo expressed disbelief at sharing the stage with such esteemed nominees. He exclaimed, “I absolutely can’t believe it… I really, really cannot.” The actor thanked his director Kirk Jones and the film’s namesake, John Davidson, for their invaluable contributions to his journey. Furthermore, he shared a touching memory of Ethan Hawke’s motivational talk during his time at Juilliard.
Recognition and Awards
Earlier in the evening, Aramayo also won the EE Rising Star Award. Additionally, the film “I Swear” received a casting award for Lauren Evans. Co-star Peter Mullan was nominated for best supporting actor, while the film itself was considered for the outstanding British film category but ultimately lost to “Hamnet.”
About “I Swear”
Set in 1980s Scotland, “I Swear” tells the poignant story of John Davidson. The film explores Davidson’s struggles with severe Tourette syndrome, highlighting the societal challenges he faces and his rise as a national advocate for this often-misunderstood condition. The film stands out for its compassionate portrayal, focusing on realistic experiences rather than sensationalism.
Impact of the BAFTA Ceremony
During the BAFTA ceremony, viewers witnessed Davidson’s presence and some involuntary tics treated with understanding. Host Alan Cumming addressed the audience, offering apologies to anyone offended, which highlighted the event’s sensitivity towards mental health themes.
Future of “I Swear”
The film is set to compete at the Oscars next year following its U.S. release. After premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2023, “I Swear” had a U.K. release in October 2023, further elevating its profile.
Important Statistics
- Film Title: I Swear
- BAFTA Leading Actor Award Winner: Robert Aramayo
- Other Nominees: Leonardo DiCaprio, Ethan Hawke, Timothée Chalamet, Jesse Plemons, Michael B. Jordan
- Directorial Work By: Kirk Jones
- Setting: 1980s Scotland
- Film Release Dates: TIFF – September 2023, U.K. – October 2023
Overall, Robert Aramayo’s BAFTA win solidified his presence in the film industry while shedding light on important societal issues through the film “I Swear.”
