Awards season is usually pretty boring. You know what is going to happen. Big names from Hollywood are over the news and the same people always win the awards.. This year was different.
Something cool happened. A young actor from Hull shocked the movie world.
A Night That Changed Everything
At the 2026 ceremony of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts one name was heard more than any Robert Aramayo.
While famous actors like Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet were thought to be contenders it was Robert Aramayo who won the Best Actor award. The win was a surprise to people but those who had seen Robert Aramayo’s performance knew he deserved it.
The Performance That Won Hearts
Robert Aramayo won the award for his role in I Swear. In the movie he played John Davidson, a person who had Tourette’s syndrome and fought to make people aware of it at a time when nobody understood it.
Of acting loud and dramatic Robert Aramayo chose to be subtle. He showed pain, controlled strength and human weakness. That is what made Robert Aramayo’s performance so unforgettable.
A Historic Double Achievement
What made the night more special was that Robert Aramayo did not just win Best Actor. He also got the Rising Star award. Becoming the person to win both awards in the same year.
During his speech Robert Aramayo seemed overwhelmed. He talked about his days as an actor and even mentioned how actors like Ethan Hawke inspired him. It was not a rehearsed speech. It felt honest. Like Robert Aramayo’s acting.
More Than an Upset
This win was not about beating big Hollywood names. It means talent can come from anywhere. You do not need movie franchises or a lot of money from studios to make a difference. Sometimes all it takes is the story told with sincerity.
The 2026 BAFTA night also saw wins for other artists. Jessie Buckley got recognition for her work in Hamnet while the epic drama One Battle After Another won awards. Yet it was Robert Aramayo’s moment that people are still talking about.
Why This Moment Matters
In an industry that’s often about hype and how much money a movie makes Robert Aramayos win reminds us why we love movies in the first place. It is about telling stories. It is about feeling for others.. Most importantly it is about performances that stay with you long after the movie is over.
From Hull to the stage, in British cinema Robert Aramayo’s journey proves that sometimes the underdog does not just compete. He changes the story.
