The 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards delivered a night of surprises and celebrated cinematic excellence, with Robert Aramayo emerging as the biggest winner. The British actor defied expectations, taking home both the Leading Actor award and the EE Rising Star Award – a first in BAFTA history. Aramayo’s win for his portrayal of Tourette syndrome campaigner John Davidson in the film I Swear marked a significant moment, overshadowing nominations from established stars like Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet. The awards, held at London’s Royal Festival Hall, showcased a diverse range of talent and films, setting the stage for the upcoming awards season.
Aramayo’s double win was met with jubilation, and his acceptance speech reflected his disbelief. “I honestly cannot believe that I have won this award. I really, really cannot. Everyone in this category blows me away,” he said. He also expressed gratitude to fellow nominee Ethan Hawke, recalling a formative talk Hawke gave at Juilliard about longevity in acting and protecting one’s craft. The night also saw first-time BAFTA wins for Jessie Buckley, Wunmi Mosaku, and Sean Penn, alongside a first-time nomination and win for Ryan Coogler and a Best Director win for Paul Thomas Anderson.
Robert Aramayo’s Unexpected Triumph
The biggest shock of the evening, as noted by Variety, was undoubtedly Aramayo’s victory over DiCaprio, and Chalamet. His performance in I Swear, a British indie film, resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. The film’s sensitive portrayal of Tourette’s syndrome, and Davidson’s own presence at the ceremony, added an emotional layer to the event. Host Alan Cumming addressed the audience twice to acknowledge that Davidson’s tics sometimes include offensive language, requesting understanding and creating a respectful atmosphere.
Aramayo’s journey to this moment has been remarkable. Sky News reports that those who taught Aramayo in Hull were not surprised by his success, recognizing his talent from a young age. His dedication to the role in I Swear, and his ability to authentically portray Davidson’s experiences, clearly resonated with the BAFTA voters.
Key Wins and Recognition
While Aramayo’s win dominated headlines, other films and individuals were also celebrated. Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another was the night’s biggest overall winner, taking home six awards, including Best Film and Best Director. Sean Penn won the Supporting Actor award for his role in the same film, and Wunmi Mosaku was recognized as Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Sinners. The film Frankenstein also garnered significant recognition in the craft categories, winning awards for production design, produce-up and hair, and costume design.
The red carpet was a showcase of style, with Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, Maura Higgins, and Cillian Murphy among those making a statement, as highlighted by The Irish Times. The event, hosted by Alan Cumming, was praised for its lightheartedness and inclusivity, with Cumming even handing out British snacks to attendees like Chalamet and Jenner.
Backstage Moments and Tourette’s Syndrome Awareness
The BBC reported on six backstage highlights from the awards, including the thoughtful approach taken to accommodate John Davidson’s Tourette’s syndrome. Cumming’s sensitivity in addressing the potential for involuntary language demonstrated a commitment to inclusivity and understanding. This moment underscored the importance of I Swear in raising awareness about the condition and challenging societal perceptions.
The BAFTA Film Awards 2026 have not only celebrated outstanding achievements in filmmaking but have also sparked important conversations about representation and inclusivity. Robert Aramayo’s historic win serves as an inspiration, and the success of films like I Swear demonstrates the power of cinema to shed light on important social issues.
As the awards season continues, the BAFTA winners are poised to make a significant impact on the upcoming Oscar nominations. The momentum generated by these films and performances will undoubtedly be felt in the weeks to come. What will be interesting to watch is how this BAFTA success translates to the Academy Awards and whether Aramayo can continue his winning streak.
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