BAFTAs Shock: Jessie Buckley & Robert Aramayo Beat Hollywood Giants in Historic Wins

British actor Robert Aramayo scored a double victory at the 2026 BAFTA Awards, winning both Best Actor and the Rising Star Award. His portrayal of John Davidson, a campaigner for Tourette’s syndrome, in I Swear earned him critical acclaim and emotional recognition. Aramayo, visibly moved, told the audience, “I honestly cannot believe this,” while acknowledging Davidson as “the most amazing man I’ve ever met.”

This marks the first time an actor has won both categories in the same year, cementing Aramayo’s place as one of the industry’s brightest talents.

Jessie Buckley Wins Best Actress

Irish actress Jessie Buckley claimed Best Actress for her role as Agnes, Shakespeare’s grieving wife, in Hamnet. Buckley dedicated her award to women “past, present and future” who continue to inspire her. Her win is historic, as she becomes the first Irish actress to take home the award.

Big Winners of the Night

Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another dominated the ceremony, winning six awards including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor for Sean Penn. The darkly comic thriller has already built momentum ahead of the Oscars, with multiple wins at the Golden Globes and Critics’ Choice Awards.

Ryan Coogler’s Sinners also made waves, earning three awards including Best Supporting Actress for Wunmi Mosaku. Her performance as Annie has already secured her an Oscar nomination, and her BAFTA win strengthens her chances further.

Guillermo Del Toro’s Frankenstein swept the design categories, winning Best Production Design, Best Hair and Make-Up, and Best Costume Design.

Royal Presence and Emotional Moments

The Prince and Princess of Wales attended the ceremony, marking their first joint public appearance since recent royal family controversies. The Princess admitted that watching Hamnet left her with “very puffy eyes.”

The night also featured memorable performances, including EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami singing Golden from KPop Demon Hunters, and Jessie Ware delivering a moving rendition of Barbra Streisand’s The Way We Were during the In Memoriam segment.

Looking Ahead to the Oscars

With One Battle After Another and Sinners gaining momentum, and Aramayo and Buckley’s wins making headlines, the BAFTAs have set the stage for an exciting Academy Awards season.