# Robert Aramayo Discusses BAFTA Win and Tourette’s Drama 'I Swear' The actor reflects on his award-winning role and the controversy surrounding John Davidson. - **Source:** [Variety](https://variety.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-06 - **Topic:** [entertainment](https://brifing.si/c/entertainment) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/e93a8a50-7152-41f9-a174-1ae49a9df1f4 ## Rising Star Recognition Robert Aramayo gained significant industry attention after winning both the Rising Star and leading actor awards at the 79th BAFTA Film Awards. He outperformed notable nominees including Timothée Chalamet and Leonardo DiCaprio. This historic double win occurred on February 22, marking a unique achievement in the history of the British Academy Film Awards. ## Biographical Drama Focus The film I Swear depicts the life of Scottish Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson. Directed by Kirk Jones, the project aims to portray Davidson as a complex individual rather than just a diagnosis. Aramayo spent three months researching the role and working closely with Davidson to ensure an authentic and respectful performance on screen. ## BAFTA Night Controversy The film's reception was overshadowed by an incident during the BAFTA ceremony where John Davidson, serving as an executive producer, experienced involuntary vocal tics. These tics included a racial slur heard during the broadcast. Davidson later expressed deep shame regarding the event, which dominated media discourse and impacted the film's initial public perception. ## Humanizing the Condition Aramayo emphasizes that Tourette’s can be perceived as humorous or painful depending on the context. He notes that while some tics might provoke laughter, others cause physical or emotional harm. The actor advocates for understanding these as human responses while acknowledging the daily difficulties faced by individuals living with the condition. ## Research and Safety To prepare for the role, Aramayo collaborated with charities like Tourette Scotland and Tourette’s Action. These partnerships provided him with a sense of safety and professional guidance. He remained conscious of the risks associated with portraying a disabled character, aiming to avoid tropes that have historically harmed the reputations of other actors. ## The Social Isolation Through his research, Aramayo learned that social isolation is a major challenge for those with less overt tics. He discovered that chronic pain from repetitive motions often goes unnoticed by the public. Many individuals he met expressed frustration that their condition is frequently misunderstood or dismissed as merely being weird by observers. ## Identity and Suppression The film explores the complex relationship between identity and medical intervention. Aramayo discusses a scene involving a device meant to suppress tics, highlighting the internal conflict of wanting to appear normal versus accepting one's true self. He notes that for many, Tourette’s is an inseparable part of their personal identity and life experience. ## Oscar Campaign Outlook Following the U.S. release on April 24, I Swear is eligible for the upcoming Oscar season. Aramayo faces stiff competition from established actors like Andrew Scott and Matt Damon. Despite the earlier controversy, the film is considered a viable dark horse candidate due to the strength of Aramayo’s performance and the narrative. ## Professional Growth Path Aramayo reflects on his journey from Hull, East Yorkshire, to Juilliard. He admits to experiencing impostor syndrome and emphasizes that the acting industry does not follow a linear progression. His recent return to theater provided a humbling experience, reinforcing his belief that taking professional success for granted is a dangerous mindset for actors. ## Future Career Aspirations Beyond his current role, Aramayo is preparing for the third season of The Rings of Power, which he describes as darker. He expresses a strong desire to work with director Paul Thomas Anderson. Additionally, he acknowledges fan interest in him potentially taking on the Wolverine role within the Marvel Cinematic Universe in future. ## Advocacy and Awareness Aramayo encourages audiences to research Tourette’s syndrome after watching the film. Citing the Tourette Association of America, he notes that one in 50 children in the U.S. lives with a persistent tic disorder. He believes that increasing public education is essential to fostering empathy and reducing the stigma surrounding these neurological conditions. ## Lasting Personal Impact The collaboration has resulted in a deep personal friendship between Aramayo and John Davidson. The actor recalls the immediate support he received from Davidson backstage after the BAFTA win. This bond remains a central aspect of his experience, grounding him as he navigates the high-pressure environment of international film awards and press. ## Sources covering this story - https://variety.com/2026/film/awards/robert-aramayo-i-swear-bafta-n-word-wolverine-x-men-1236941597/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._