One Battle After Another Defeats Hamnet and Sinners at BAFTAs, as I Swear’s Robert Aramayo Takes Best Actor
Surprise victories reshaped the BAFTAs as One Battle After Another dominated major categories and Robert Aramayo earned Best Actor for his breakthrough role in I Swear.
The British Academy Film Awards delivered a night of surprises and strong emotional moments as One Battle After Another emerged as the evening’s biggest winner, defeating acclaimed rivals Hamnet and Sinners in several top categories. The ceremony, held in London, culminated in a standout individual triumph for Robert Aramayo, who claimed Best Actor for his performance in I Swear.
The outcome marked a decisive shift in expectations. Hamnet, long considered the frontrunner following its critical acclaim and festival success, entered the night with multiple nominations and widespread industry backing. However, it was One Battle After Another—a stark wartime drama exploring moral conflict and human endurance—that captured the academy’s attention.
A Victory Built on Emotional Power
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Eleanor Briggs, One Battle After Another tells the story of a fractured family navigating life after a devastating military campaign. Its raw performances and restrained storytelling resonated strongly with voters, who praised the film’s refusal to romanticize war while still finding moments of hope and connection.
Accepting the award for Best Film, Briggs said, “This story is about ordinary people living through extraordinary trauma. We wanted to make something honest and compassionate. The fact that it has connected with audiences and the academy means everything to us.”
The film also picked up awards for Best Supporting Actress and Best Original Screenplay, solidifying its status as the night’s most celebrated production.
Robert Aramayo’s Career-Defining Moment
The evening’s most emotional acceptance speech came from Robert Aramayo, who won Best Actor for his role as a troubled legal advocate in I Swear. Known previously for supporting roles in major television franchises, Aramayo’s performance was widely praised for its intensity and vulnerability.
His portrayal of a young barrister confronting corruption within the justice system brought him into direct competition with several veteran actors. Few expected him to triumph over more established nominees, making his win one of the night’s biggest shocks.
“This role terrified me,” Aramayo said in his speech. “It asked me to be honest in ways I hadn’t been before. I owe everything to the writers and the crew who trusted me with such a complicated character.”
Industry critics described his performance as “transformational,” noting that it marked a shift from rising star to leading man.
Hamnet and Sinners Fall Short
Despite entering the ceremony as favorites, Hamnet and Sinners left with fewer awards than anticipated. Hamnet, adapted from the bestselling novel inspired by Shakespeare’s family life, won for costume design and cinematography but failed to secure Best Film or Best Director.
Sinners, a visually striking historical drama about religious conflict, was praised for its ambition and artistic vision, yet was edged out in the major categories by the emotional clarity of One Battle After Another.
Film critic Laura Jennings said the results reflected a preference for storytelling rooted in character rather than spectacle. “The academy leaned toward intimacy and realism this year. Big themes mattered, but human stories mattered more.”
A Night of Changing Tastes
The ceremony suggested a broader shift in British film and television recognition, with voters rewarding projects that blend social realism with personal narratives. Several winners highlighted the importance of addressing trauma, justice, and resilience in modern storytelling.
Producers and studio executives also noted that the awards could influence international distribution and awards-season momentum, particularly for One Battle After Another, which now enters global markets with major prestige behind it.
Looking Ahead
With the BAFTAs concluded, attention now turns to upcoming international ceremonies, where Aramayo’s performance and One Battle After Another are expected to gain further nominations. For many observers, the night will be remembered as a moment when a quiet, emotionally charged drama overtook bigger names and reshaped the awards conversation.
As one presenter summarized from the stage, “This year proved that courage in storytelling still wins.”
About the Creator
Fiaz Ahmed
I am Fiaz Ahmed. I am a passionate writer. I love covering trending topics and breaking news. With a sharp eye for what’s happening around the world, and crafts timely and engaging stories that keep readers informed and updated.
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