Robert Aramayo delivered one of the most emotional moments of the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards when he paid tribute to Ethan Hawke during his Best Actor acceptance speech on Sunday, February 22.
The 33-year-old English actor surprised audiences by winning the coveted award for his performance in I sweara biographical film about the life of activist John Davidson with severe Tourette syndrome.
After defeating heavyweights such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael B. Jordan, Jesse Plemons and Timothée Chalamet, Aramayo was visibly overwhelmed when he took the stage.
Robert said, “I can’t believe this at all. I can’t believe I’m looking at people like you.” [Leonardo] It doesn’t matter that I’m here.
“I honestly can’t believe I won this award. I really can’t. Everyone in this category blows me away,” he added.
In his speech, Aramayo recalled a formative moment at Juilliard when the Before dawn The star visited his class.
He recalled that Hawke talked about longevity in acting, protecting the craft and avoiding self-destructive habits.
“It had a huge impact on everyone in that room.” The Lord of the Rings the student said, turning to Hawke in the audience.
The camera captured Hawke fighting back tears, burying his face in his hand before offering a warm smile and a gesture of encouragement.
Aramayo’s father jumped for joy in the audience when his son also won the Rising Star award, voted for by the public.
He game of Thrones actor, he dedicated his triumphs to his family and to I swear team, calling Davidson “the most incredible person I’ve ever met.”
