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British actor Robert Aramayo stunned Hollywood last night with an upset victory at the BAFTA Film Awards. The 33-year-old Yorkshire native won Best Actor for his role in the film I Swear, beating major contenders including Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet. In an even rarer feat, Aramayo also claimed the prestigious EE Rising Star Award, marking a historic double win that shocked the industry.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Best Film Winner: One Battle After Another took home 6 BAFTAs, including Best Picture and Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson
- Acting Shock: Robert Aramayo beat established favorites DiCaprio and Chalamet to win Best Actor for I Swear
- Double Victory: Aramayo became the rare winner of both Best Actor and the Rising Star Award at the 2026 BAFTAs
- Ceremony Date: The 79th EE BAFTA Film Awards took place on February 22, 2026 at London’s Royal Festival Hall
One Battle After Another Dominates the Night
Paul Thomas Anderson’s politically charged thriller One Battle After Another proved to be the evening’s biggest winner, sweeping a total of 6 BAFTA awards. The film claimed victories in Best Film, Director, Cinematography, Editing, and Adapted Screenplay. Leonardo DiCaprio appeared in the ensemble cast alongside Sean Penn, who won Best Supporting Actor for his role in the thriller.
The film’s dominance marks a major statement heading into the Oscar season. Anderson’s vision and the ensemble’s commitment to the project have clearly resonated with industry voters across multiple categories. The dark comedy has been described as one of the most significant films of 2025.
BAFTA film awards: ‘One Battle After Another’ sweeps 6 wins, Robert Aramayo shocks with Best Actor upset
John Davidson’s tics disrupt BAFTA Awards, host addresses Tourette’s syndrome
Robert Aramayo’s Shocking Rise from Game of Thrones
Robert Aramayo rose to prominence as young Eddard Stark in Game of Thrones and later as Elrond in Amazon’s The Rings of Power. His performance in I Swear marks a transformative moment in his career. The British actor was visibly emotional upon winning, with sources noting he was so shocked he didn’t write a speech. His role required him to authentically portray a real-life campaigner dealing with Tourette’s syndrome.
Growing up in Hull, Aramayo trained at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York. The 33-year-old has become an inspiration to students at his former school, proving that persistence and dedication to craft can lead to major breakthrough moments. His 2026 showing suggests he will remain a major force in upcoming award season conversations.
Supporting Performances and Technical Excellence
| Category | Winner | Film |
| Best Supporting Actress | Wunmi Mosaku | Sinners |
| Best Supporting Actor | Sean Penn | One Battle After Another |
| Best Director | Paul Thomas Anderson | One Battle After Another |
| Best Cinematography | David Grohl | One Battle After Another |
The supporting acting races delivered their own surprises, with Wunmi Mosaku claiming Best Supporting Actress for her work in Sinners. Sean Penn won his first-ever BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor, though the veteran actor was not present at the ceremony to accept the award. Technical categories showed One Battle After Another’s undeniable production quality.
Other Standout Winners and Surprise Victories
Jessie Buckley won Best Actress for her role in the period drama Hamnet. The film itself claimed recognition in multiple categories. Sinners secured three BAFTA wins including Best Original Screenplay for director Ryan Coogler. Frankenstein and Avatar: Fire and Ash both took home victories. The evening showcased a diverse range of films earning recognition from the British Academy.
Produced by StudiOcanal and released in 2025, I Swear represents a significant breakthrough for Aramayo. The film’s narrative about perseverance and overcoming societal prejudice clearly struck a chord with voters. This victory positions the actor as a genuine contender for the upcoming awards season.
What Does Aramayo’s Double Win Mean for the Oscar Race?
Robert Aramayo’s historic double victory could reshape the conversation heading into the Academy Awards. His upset over DiCaprio and Chalamet demonstrates that voters are ready to recognize transformative character work and bold performances. The Rising Star Award suggests industry insiders see long-term potential in his career trajectory.
The BAFTA Film Awards often serve as a reliable predictor for major awards ceremonies. Aramayo’s sweep at this ceremony, combined with One Battle After Another’s six wins, sets the stage for a fascinating final stretch of the awards season. Will DiCaprio or Chalamet rebound at the Oscars, or has momentum shifted permanently in Aramayo’s favor?
“I Swear is a beautiful film anchored by an extraordinary lead performance from Robert Aramayo. He disappears into the role completely.”
— The Hollywood Reporter, Film Review
Sources
- AP News – ‘One Battle After Another’ wins six prizes at UK’s BAFTA film awards
- The Guardian – Robert Aramayo defeats DiCaprio and Chalamet in shock Best Actor win
- BBC News – Complete 2026 BAFTA Film Awards winners announcement
