Robert Aramayo Emerges as Bafta Night's Unforgettable Star
In a ceremony brimming with unexpected triumphs, British actor Robert Aramayo unequivocally stole the spotlight at the Bafta Awards. The event, recognized as the pinnacle of British cinema and a critical juncture in the awards season, carries immense weight for Oscar aspirants. The evening celebrated victories across notable films, including Hamnet, which earned Jessie Buckley the Best Actress award, Sinners, securing Best Supporting Actress and Original Score, and One Battle After Another (OBAA), which clinched Best Film. However, not all contenders fared as well; Marty Supreme, starring Timothee Chalamet, faced a disappointing sweep, losing all eleven of its nominations, tying a record for the most losses in Bafta history.
Aramayo's Double Victory Over Hollywood Heavyweights
The 33-year-old screen sensation, Robert Aramayo, achieved a remarkable feat by capturing two of the night's most prestigious accolades: the EE Rising Star award, renowned for its illustrious alumni, and the Best Actor honor. This latter win positioned him ahead of formidable competition, notably frontrunners Leonardo DiCaprio for OBAA and Timothee Chalamet for Marty Supreme, both of whom are vying for the coveted Oscar in the upcoming weeks. Aramayo's dual triumph underscores a significant shift in the awards landscape, highlighting his rising prominence in the industry.
The Film Behind the Wins: 'I Swear'
Aramayo secured both Bafta awards for his leading performance in the Scottish biographical drama, I Swear. In this poignant two-hour film, he portrays John Davidson MBE, a dedicated Tourette's campaigner. The movie meticulously chronicles John's journey growing up with Tourette syndrome during the 1980s, delving into the societal prejudices and challenges he encountered, as well as his relentless advocacy for public awareness of the condition. John's story was previously featured in a 1989 BBC documentary titled John's Not Mad. According to the NHS, Tourette syndrome is defined as a condition characterized by involuntary, repetitive sounds or movements known as tics.
During his emotional acceptance speech, the breakout actor expressed sheer disbelief, acknowledging fellow nominee Ethan Hawke and paying tribute to John Davidson, the real-life inspiration. Fighting back tears, Aramayo stated, 'I honestly cannot believe this,' and described John as 'the most amazing man I've ever met.' This heartfelt moment resonated deeply with the audience, emphasizing the film's impactful narrative.
Aramayo's Diverse Career Trajectory
Robert Aramayo embarked on his acting career in 2012, with his breakthrough role arriving in 2016 as a young Ned Stark in the acclaimed series Game of Thrones. Since then, he has built an impressive portfolio across television and film:
- In 2019, he appeared in an episode of the Netflix series Mindhunter.
- He starred in the 2020 movie Antebellum.
- More recently, he featured in Behind Her Eyes, portraying the character Rob, and gained widespread recognition as Elrond in Amazon Prime's hit prequel series, Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power.
- Last year, his roles included Palestine 36 and the now multi-Bafta-winning film, I Swear.
This diverse body of work showcases Aramayo's versatility and dedication to his craft, culminating in his stellar performance at the Baftas. As the awards season progresses, all eyes will be on whether his momentum carries forward to the Oscars, solidifying his status as a formidable talent in contemporary cinema.
