Jessie Buckley has won the Oscar for Best Actress for her role in the film Hamnet, directed by Chloé Zhao. This victory marks a significant milestone as Buckley becomes the first Irish woman to receive this prestigious award.
The film Hamnet, which earned a total of eight Oscar nominations, is based on the life of Agnes, the wife of renowned playwright William Shakespeare. Buckley’s portrayal has been widely praised, contributing to the film’s critical acclaim.
During her acceptance speech at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on March 15, 2026, Buckley dedicated her award to “the beautiful chaos of a mother’s heart,” a poignant reference considering the date also coincided with Mother’s Day in the United Kingdom.
At 36 years old, Buckley has already garnered numerous accolades, including the SAG-AFTRA Actor Award, BAFTA, Critics Choice Award, and Golden Globe for Best Actress prior to her Oscar win. Her journey in the film industry has been marked by a deep exploration of themes such as motherhood and grief, particularly evident in her performance in Hamnet.
In a light-hearted moment during her speech, Buckley joked about wanting to have “20,000 babies” with her husband, showcasing her personal connection to the themes of the film.
Reflecting on her fellow nominees, Buckley expressed gratitude, stating, “Mom, Dad, thank you for teaching us to dream.” Her heartfelt words resonated with many in the audience, highlighting the importance of family support in achieving one’s dreams.
As the film industry continues to evolve, Buckley’s win is seen as a beacon of hope for aspiring actresses, particularly women from Ireland. Observers are keen to see how this achievement influences future projects and opportunities for women in film.
While Buckley’s win is celebrated, details remain unconfirmed regarding future collaborations with other prominent filmmakers and actors, as she expressed a desire to work with them in her speech, saying, “I am inspired by your art and your heart, and I want to work with every single one of you.”