Emotional moments unfolded at the BAFTA Awards as Alexander Dreymon took home the coveted Best Actor award for his unforgettable portrayal of Uhtred of Bebbanburg in The Last Kingdom. The room fell into a standing ovation as the announcement was made, signaling not just recognition for Dreymon’s stellar performance, but a deeply emotional acknowledgment of years spent crafting a role that has left a lasting imprint on audiences around the world.
With misty eyes and a subtle smile, Dreymon made his way to the stage. The applause lingered, the kind that resonates when an underdog finally gets his due. His journey with The Last Kingdom began modestly, with the show once being overshadowed by other historical dramas. But his unwavering dedication and emotionally raw performances helped elevate the series into a cultural phenomenon.
In his acceptance speech, Dreymon held back tears as he thanked the fans who stood by him through every season. He paid tribute to the cast and crew who, in his words, “bled, fought, and loved with me every step of the way.” There was a palpable sense of closure, not just for him, but for fans of the show who had followed Uhtred’s tumultuous path from exile to destiny.
The actor spoke passionately about the depth of the character he played — a Saxon raised by Vikings, torn between identities, struggling with loyalty, honor, and the ghosts of his past. Dreymon’s embodiment of Uhtred wasn’t just performance; it was transformation. The audience saw a man evolve on-screen, grow into his wounds, and rise through his losses.
Beyond the drama and action, Dreymon’s portrayal gave viewers something more — vulnerability in strength, quiet resilience, and a poetic kind of heroism that rarely makes it to screen. His BAFTA win seemed to recognize that nuanced mastery. Critics have often noted how Dreymon’s portrayal brought gravitas to the show, anchoring it with a soul that never faltered, even when swords clashed and kingdoms fell.
Backstage, fellow actors embraced him with warmth. Many shared their admiration for Dreymon’s consistent humility and relentless work ethic. Eliza Butterworth, who played Lady Aelswith, described him as “the beating heart of The Last Kingdom, both on and off screen.” Her words echoed what many of the cast and crew had long felt — this win wasn’t just overdue; it was historic.
Fans around the world took to social media in celebration, flooding timelines with tributes, edits, and favorite scenes of Uhtred. One fan wrote, “We didn’t just watch Uhtred fight for Bebbanburg — we believed in his fight because of Alexander’s heart.” Another posted a clip from the series finale, captioned simply: “Destiny is all. He earned this.”
For Dreymon, the award represents more than just industry validation. In interviews, he’s often described how personal the role of Uhtred became. The themes of identity, belonging, and legacy paralleled his own life in unexpected ways. His voice trembled slightly as he told reporters, “I grew up with Uhtred. Or maybe he grew up with me.”
What makes this BAFTA moment even more emotional is that The Last Kingdom had often flown under the radar of mainstream award circuits. Yet its loyal audience kept it alive, championing its storytelling, complexity, and emotional depth. Dreymon’s win is seen as a win for them too — a testament to the power of perseverance and the quiet strength of devoted fandom.
In the days following the ceremony, behind-the-scenes footage and candid photos of Dreymon surrounded by castmates have only amplified the sentimentality of the moment. From intimate reunions to shared laughter, there’s a feeling of finality — but also of triumph.
Though The Last Kingdom has concluded, this award feels like a beautiful epilogue. It honors the years of sacrifice, sweat, and soul poured into a role that became iconic. As Dreymon held the golden statue and looked into the crowd, he whispered two words that said it all: “For Uhtred.”
