Ethan Hawke didn’t know his school speech would inspire a future BAFTA winner
Hearing Robert Aramayo's words gave the veteran aca sense of pride and fulfilment that no award could.
Winning an award for your work seems like you’ve finally made it; the journey is complete, and goals accomplished. However, the BAFTA awards on February 22, 2026, provided an inspiring reminder that it's not about winning, but about making an impact. When Robert Aramayo won for the “Best Actor” category, the moving words in his speech touched the heart of Ethan Hawke, according to NME News. Although the latter didn’t take home a prize that day, he did take home a reward for his work — recognition, appreciation, and knowing that he made a difference. The speech, shared by the BBC on YouTube, still has our hearts fluttering.
The category itself was super competitive, including esteemed artists like Timothy Chalamet, Michael B. Jordan, and Ethan Hawke, among others. When Aramayo’s name was announced, he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. In disbelief, joy, and tears, he walked up the stage to take his award. In his speech, he mentioned how there were so many deserving actors in the category and that he was blown away by the fact that he had won. After thanking his cast and crew, he then went back to Hawke, recalling his words from the time Aramayo was in school at Juilliard.
"He gave an amazing talk on longevity as an actor, about protecting your instrument and avoiding self-destructive behaviours,” the “I Swear” artist noted. Just those words that day had an impact on everyone in the room, but particularly on the young winner, who held them in his heart. He thanked Hawke for his wisdom and expressed how it was “an honor” to be in the same category as him. The camera quickly panned to a teary-eyed Hawke, feeling emotional, proud, and so much all at the same time. Though he didn’t make it to the stage, that moment and that expression of fulfilment revealed he still won — in life.
The work that brought him enough recognition to go there and give that talk, thereby inspiring young actors like Aramayo, was beyond tangible achievements. According to Far Out Magazine, Hawke nodded on hearing his fellow nominee and mentee’s words and said, “That’s better than winning.” And it really is indeed. Aramayo even went on to win the “Rising Star” award the same evening, and it was beyond a dream come true. He shared a post on Instagram, “Honestly, the most amazing evening of my life.” The duo even got a picture together to hold the night dearly. In our journey, no matter what we’re out to achieve, having mentors and wisdom from experience is worth more than anything. A 2025 study revealed the importance of having mentorship in career development. Any kind of guidance, be it from personal mentors, superiors, peers, role models, groups or other forms, is beneficial while tracking career paths. It also holds benefits for the mentor.
Sharing ideas and knowledge brings a kind of fulfillment, and undoubtedly, Hawke felt that as Aramayo reiterated his words on stage while crediting him. It also brings “intellectual stimulation, new ideas, and increased self-awareness” for both the mentor and the mentee. Even the internet found this win far more gratifying than others. @c17sam90 wrote, “You can so tell Hawke is both a father and an actor who enjoys seeing a new generation of talent appear.” @lisamaire7509 remarked, “I applaud Ethan Hawke; he gave the best speech and encouragement to a beautiful, young, humble man.”
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