British Newcomer Robert Aramayo Triumphs at BAFTAs in Major Upset
In a stunning turn of events at the 2026 British Academy Film Awards, rising British star Robert Aramayo claimed the best actor prize, defeating heavyweight favorites Timothee Chalamet and Leonardo DiCaprio. The 33-year-old actor from Hull secured the award for his powerful performance in I Swear, a biographical drama about Tourette's syndrome campaigner John Davidson.
Emotional Victory for Aramayo
Aramayo's victory marked his second award of the evening, having earlier received the rising star award determined by public vote. During his emotional acceptance speech, the visibly moved actor expressed disbelief at his achievement. "I honestly cannot believe that I have won this award," Aramayo told the star-studded audience, acknowledging his father's presence in the crowd.
The actor paid special tribute to fellow nominee Ethan Hawke, recalling how the veteran actor's visit to his Juilliard class profoundly impacted his approach to acting. "To be in this category with you tonight is incredible," Aramayo said, highlighting Hawke's lessons about longevity and avoiding self-destructive behaviors in the acting profession.
Buckley Makes History as First Irish Best Actress Winner
Irish actress Jessie Buckley made BAFTA history by becoming the first Irish performer to win the best actress award for her portrayal in the Shakespeare biopic Hamnet. Buckley, who rose to fame through the talent show I'd Do Anything, delivered a heartfelt speech reflecting on her unconventional journey to stardom.
"As a little girl, I never in a million years thought I would get to make a film," Buckley confessed, humorously recalling her early days with "nuclear bad fake tan" and aspirations to emulate Judi Dench. She dedicated her award to her daughter and fellow nominees, celebrating "the naughty girls" of the industry.
One Battle After Another Dominates Ceremony
Paul Thomas Anderson's comedy-thriller One Battle After Another emerged as the night's biggest winner, collecting six BAFTAs including best film, best director, and supporting actor for Sean Penn. The film, featuring an ensemble cast including DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor, Chase Infiniti, and Penn, explores themes of authority and neighborhood destabilization.
Accepting the best film award, Anderson delivered a passionate defense of contemporary cinema, declaring: "Anybody who says that movies aren't good any more can piss right off because this is a great f***ing year." The director, who nearly dropped his earlier award for best adapted screenplay, celebrated the creative freedom of filmmaking.
Royal Presence and Celebrity Moments
The ceremony featured a distinguished royal presence with Prince William, serving as BAFTA president, and Kate Middleton attending to support the winners. The audience glittered with Hollywood royalty including nominees Emma Stone and Kate Hudson, alongside music stars Little Simz, Stormzy, Jessie Ware, and Kylie Jenner, who accompanied boyfriend Timothee Chalamet.
Host Alan Cumming injected humor into the proceedings by offering personalized snacks to celebrities, presenting Jammie Dodgers to Chalamet and Jenner, Twiglets to Rose Byrne, and an oaty flapjack to DiCaprio, who enthusiastically approved the selection.
Additional Award Highlights
The evening celebrated diverse cinematic achievements across multiple categories:
- Hamnet secured the outstanding British film award alongside Buckley's best actress win
- British star Wunmi Mosaku won best supporting actress for her role in vampire horror Sinners
- Sinners collected three awards total, including original screenplay and score
- Frankenstein earned recognition for costume, makeup and hair, and production design
- I Swear received additional recognition for casting excellence
Industry Reflections and Celebrations
Producer Sir Sam Mendes used the platform to encourage industry self-appreciation, noting: "We are not great as an industry or a culture for patting ourselves on the back, but perhaps we should." The sentiment echoed throughout the evening as winners and presenters celebrated both established veterans and emerging talents.
The 2026 BAFTAs demonstrated the awards' tradition of recognizing British films that might not achieve mainstream Hollywood success while simultaneously honoring major international productions. Aramayo's unexpected victory particularly highlighted this balance, showcasing breakthrough performances alongside established cinematic excellence.
