Jessie Buckley Makes History as First Irishwoman to Win Best Actress Oscar for 'Hamnet'
Kerry actress Jessie Buckley has made history by becoming the first Irishwoman ever to win the Academy Award for Best Actress, receiving the honour at the 98th Oscars in March 2026 for her extraordinary performance in the film 'Hamnet' — a moment celebrated across Ireland as a landmark achievement for Irish arts and culture.
Background
Jessie Buckley, who grew up in Killarney, Co Kerry, has been one of the most acclaimed Irish actresses of her generation, earning her first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress for "The Lost Daughter" in 2022. "Hamnet," directed by Chloé Zhao and adapted from Maggie O'Farrell's bestselling novel, tells the story of Agnes Shakespeare — William Shakespeare's wife — navigating the grief of losing their 11-year-old son Hamnet to the plague, and how this tragedy inspired Shakespeare's play "Hamlet."
Key Developments
Buckley's win at the 98th Academy Awards was the culmination of a dominant awards season in which she swept the major ceremonies, including the SAG-AFTRA Actor Awards, BAFTAs, Critics Choice Awards, and Golden Globes. Her "raw, emotional performance" in "Hamnet" captivated audiences and critics alike.
In her acceptance speech, Buckley dedicated her award to "the beautiful chaos of a mother's heart" — a particularly poignant dedication as it was Mother's Day in the UK at the time of the ceremony, and Buckley herself had an eight-month-old daughter, Isla. She thanked her fellow nominees — Rose Byrne, Kate Hudson, Renate Reinsve, and Emma Stone — and expressed a desire to work with each of them. She also thanked her parents for teaching her "to dream and to never be defined by expectation but to care from your own passion."
Buckley's family were present at the ceremony, with Ireland having bought them flights. She thanked director Chloé Zhao and author Maggie O'Farrell, stating that understanding the capacity of a mother's love through her role was "the greatest collision of my life."
Why It Matters
President Catherine Connolly called the win a "historic moment" and a "thoroughly deserved testament" to Buckley's outstanding performance. Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris also offered their congratulations, highlighting the significance of the achievement for Irish film and performing arts. The win was celebrated across Ireland as a source of immense national pride, with Buckley joining a long tradition of Irish excellence in the arts on the world stage.
What's Next
Buckley's Oscar win is expected to open further doors in Hollywood and internationally. She is widely anticipated to be among the most sought-after actresses in the world following her historic achievement. Read the full Guardian report here.
