Robert Aramayo's Unforgettable Baftas Triumph
In a stunning turn of events that captivated London's Royal Festival Hall, Robert Aramayo emerged as the unexpected star of the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards. The Hull-born actor delivered one of the most shocking upsets in recent Baftas history, securing the coveted Best Actor award for his powerful performance in I Swear.
A Night of Emotional Surprises
Aramayo's victory came against formidable competition, including established Hollywood icons Timothée Chalamet, Ethan Hawke, Michael B. Jordan, Jesse Plemons, and Leonardo DiCaprio. When his name was announced, the actor appeared visibly overwhelmed, fighting back tears throughout his heartfelt acceptance speech. His voice cracked with emotion as he expressed what the film meant to him personally and professionally.
This remarkable achievement capped an already extraordinary evening for Aramayo, who had earlier been honored with the EE Rising Star Award. This particular prize, determined by public vote, has historically served as a springboard for future A-list talent, with previous recipients including James McAvoy, Kristen Stewart, Tom Hardy, and Daniel Kaluuya.
Competitive Categories and Notable Wins
The ceremony, skillfully hosted by Alan Cumming, unfolded during one of the most intensely competitive awards seasons in recent memory. Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another entered the night with a commanding 14 nominations and maintained its momentum as Anderson secured the Best Director award—only the second BAFTA win of his distinguished career.
In a particularly moving moment, Anderson paid tribute to his late collaborator Adam Somner, the British assistant director who worked on the film while courageously battling cancer before passing away in 2024 at age 57.
Another significant victory came when Hamnet was named Outstanding British Film. Chloé Zhao's adaptation, featuring standout performances from Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, triumphed over strong contenders including I Swear, The Ballad of Wallis Island, and 28 Years Later. This win highlighted the exceptional diversity and strength of contemporary British filmmaking across various genres, from literary drama to modern character studies.
Historic Moments and International Recognition
The evening also witnessed historic achievements in international cinema. Sentimental Value made history as the first Norwegian film ever to win a BAFTA, claiming the prize for Best Film Not in the English Language. Director Joachim Trier accepted the award with characteristic humor, joking that "we are usually better at skiing," while acknowledging the landmark moment for Norwegian cinema.
Throughout the gala, One Battle After Another and Sinners engaged in a compelling back-and-forth battle across major categories, keeping attendees and viewers on the edge of their seats. The 2026 Baftas will be remembered not only for its competitive spirit but for the emotional, unexpected triumph of Robert Aramayo—a night where an underdog actor from Hull became the undisputed star of British cinema's most prestigious celebration.
