Ethan Hawke was seen getting visibly emotional after BAFTA winner Robert Aramayo paid tribute to him in his speech.
The I Swear actor was the surprise winner of the Best Actor gong at last night’s (February 22) ceremony, providing one of the biggest shocks in the awards’ history after beating the likes of Hollywood heavyweights Hawke, Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet and Michael B. Jordan.
During his emotional speech, Aramayo appeared taken aback by his win, telling the audience: “I honestly cannot believe that I’ve won this award. Everyone in this category blows me away.”
He later turned to Hawke, who appeared to be holding back tears as Aramayo recalled an impactful experience with the actor.
“When I was in school Ethan Hawke came to speak to us at Juilliard and he gave an amazing talk on longevity as an actor, about protecting your instrument and avoiding self destructive behaviours,” he said.
“And it had a great impact on every one in that room, so to be in this category with you tonight is incredible. Thank you Ethan!”
During his speech, the actor also appeared to turn to DiCaprio, beaming: “I can’t believe that I’m looking at people like you, in the same category never mind that I’m stood here!”
Earlier in the ceremony, Aramayo also took home the BAFTA Rising Star Award, which is voted for by the public, while I Swear also won the Best Casting award.
During the event, BAFTA host Alan Cumming apologised after I Swear subject John Davidson, who has Tourette’s syndrome, was heard shouting profane outbursts during the ceremony, including the n-word while Jordan and Sinners co-star Delroy Lindo presented an award. Davidson reportedly left the event in the second half of his own accord.
Meanwhile, the big winner at last night’s BAFTAs was One Battle After Another, which walked away with six gongs including Best Film and Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson, while Sinners took three awards including Best Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actress for Wunmi Mosaku. Sean Penn took Actor equivalent for One Battle After Another, while Jessie Buckley won Best Actress for Hamnet.
The night also saw EJAE, Audrey Nuna and REI AMI perform KPop Demon Hunters hit ‘Golden’, while Jessie Ware did a moving rendition of Barbra Streisand’s ‘The Way We Were’ for the In Memoriam segment.