Robert Aramayo: The Brit Facing DiCaprio at 2026

In the lead-up to the February 22, 2026, BAFTA Film Awards, all eyes are on Robert Aramayo. The 33-year-old actor from Hull, previously best known for playing young Ned Stark in Game of Thrones and Elrond in The Rings of Power, has emerged as the "dark horse" of the awards season.

Aramayo is nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his transformative performance in the biographical drama "I Swear," where he portrays the pioneering Scottish Tourette syndrome campaigner John Davidson MBE.

The David vs. Goliath Battle

Aramayo faces formidable competition in a category dominated by Hollywood heavyweights. His nomination is particularly notable because he is the only British actor in the Best Actor shortlist this year who isn't already a household name in the U.S.

The Best Actor Nominees (2026):

• Robert Aramayo – I Swear

• Leonardo DiCaprio – One Battle After Another

• Timothée Chalamet – Marty Supreme (The current frontrunner)

• Ethan Hawke – Blue Moon

• Michael B. Jordan – Sinners

• Jesse Plemons – Bugonia 

Why Aramayo Is the "Dark Horse"

While Timothée Chalamet is the statistical favorite after his Golden Globe win, and Leonardo DiCaprio has tied the all-time record with his seventh BAFTA nomination, Aramayo has the momentum of a "homegrown" success story.

• The "I Swear" Performance: Critics have called Aramayo’s depiction of John Davidson "flawless" and "deeply empathetic," noting the physical and emotional precision required to portray a life lived with Tourette's.

• Double Nominee: Aramayo is in the rare position of being a double nominee. In addition to Best Actor, he is also nominated for the EE Rising Star Award, the only BAFTA category voted on by the British public.

• Recent Wins: On February 1, 2026, Aramayo won Breakthrough Performer of the Year at the London Critics' Circle Film Awards, signaling strong support from the UK's top film journalists.

From Hull Truck to Hollywood

Aramayo’s journey to the 2026 BAFTAs is a classic "local boy makes good" narrative.

1. Hull Truck Theatre: He began his career at the Hull Truck Youth Theatre before winning a prestigious place at Juilliard in New York at age 19.

2. Breakout Roles: After a string of high-profile TV roles, I Swear marks his first major leading film role to garner international awards buzz.

3. The "Home" Advantage: As a Leeds United fan who still credits his Hull roots for his work ethic, Aramayo has become the sentimental favorite for British audiences who want to see a local talent "beat the A-listers."

The 2026 BAFTA Ceremony

The winners will be revealed at London’s Royal Festival Hall on Sunday, February 22, in a ceremony hosted by Alan Cumming. If Aramayo wins, he would be the first British actor to win the category for an independent British biopic since the early 2010s.

Source - https://www.itv.com/thismorning/articles/robert-aramayo-the-brit-hoping-to-beat-leonardo-dicaprio-for-a-bafta

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