In a stunning turn of events, Hull-born actor Robert Aramayo has achieved a remarkable milestone by receiving a nomination for Leading Actor at the prestigious BAFTA Film Awards. His performance in the poignant comedy-drama *I Swear*, which portrays the life of John Davidson, a teenager grappling with Tourette’s syndrome, places him in esteemed company alongside Hollywood heavyweights like Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet.
A Unique Narrative
*I Swear*, directed by Kirk Jones, captures the authentic struggles and triumphs of Davidson, who is not only living with Tourette’s but also experiences coprolalia, leading to involuntary outbursts. The film’s resonant storytelling has garnered it nominations across multiple categories, including Outstanding British Film, Supporting Actor, Original Screenplay, and Casting. Aramayo’s own reflections on the project highlight the dedication of the entire cast and crew: “It’s amazing. Everybody on it worked so hard and was very focused on telling the most authentic story that we could.”
An Unbelievable Achievement
Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Aramayo expressed sheer disbelief at his nomination. Sharing the stage with luminaries like DiCaprio, Chalamet, and Ethan Hawke, he remarked, “It’s unbelievable. It’s an incredible feeling because they’re all just so amazing, such incredible actors.” The young actor revealed that he had been deeply inspired by a talk given by Hawke during his university days, stating, “I remember just being so moved and shaped by the things that he said… maybe I’ll get to meet him and say thank you for his words.”
A Challenging Role
Aramayo, who has previously appeared in *Game of Thrones* and the *Lord of the Rings* series, described portraying Davidson as the “biggest challenge” of his career. Yet he embraced the opportunity, calling the experience “really rewarding.” He acknowledged the support he received throughout the process, which helped him navigate the complexities of the role. “It was a real challenge but I just felt like I had so much help in all aspects so I just felt really lucky,” he noted.
In addition to his Leading Actor nomination, Aramayo has also been recognised with an EE Rising Star Award nomination, which is uniquely determined by public vote. Director Kirk Jones praised Aramayo’s extraordinary talent, asserting, “I knew that he was the person that I wanted in the role.”
Why it Matters
Aramayo’s nomination not only highlights his extraordinary talent but also sheds light on the critical issue of representation in film. By bringing the story of John Davidson to a wider audience, *I Swear* helps to raise awareness about Tourette’s syndrome and the challenges faced by those living with it. In a landscape increasingly focused on diverse narratives, Aramayo’s journey exemplifies the power of storytelling in fostering understanding and empathy, making his achievement a significant moment not just for him but for the wider community.
