Aramayo Wins Two BAFTAs for I Swear Performance

At the 79th British Academy Film Awards held Sunday evening at London's Royal Festival Hall, British actor Robert Aramayo, 33, claimed two major honors: the award for Best Actor in a Leading Role and the public-voted EE Rising Star Award. His victories came for his portrayal of John Davidson, a Scottish campaigner for Tourette syndrome awareness, in the biopic "I Swear," marking the first time a performer has won both prizes in a single night.

Aramayo's leading actor win surprised many observers, as he triumphed over a field that included Timothée Chalamet for "Marty Supreme," Leonardo DiCaprio for "One Battle After Another," Ethan Hawke for "Blue Moon," Michael B. Jordan for "Sinners," and Jesse Plemons for "Bugonia." Appearing visibly emotional during his acceptance speech, Aramayo said, "I honestly cannot believe that I have won this award. I really, really cannot. Everyone in this category blows me away." He took a moment to thank Hawke, recalling an inspirational encounter from his student days. "When I was in school, Ethan Hawke came in to speak to us at Juilliard and he gave an amazing talk on longevity as an actor, about protecting your instrument and avoiding...