On the evening of March 15, 2026, during the 98th Academy Awards, Jessie Buckley achieved a landmark victory as the first Irish actress to secure the Best Actress Oscar for her performance in Hamnet.
In Hamnet, Buckley portrayed Agnes Shakespeare, spouse of the legendary playwright William Shakespeare. The movie delves into the profound sorrow experienced by Agnes and William after the demise of their son Hamnet in 1596 at the age of 11. This personal loss led William Shakespeare to pen the renowned tragedy Hamlet.
“This is really something,” Buckley stated in her acceptance speech, commencing with heartfelt thanks to her family. She acknowledged her parents for their support all the way from Ireland, and shared her appreciation for her husband. Buckley also mentioned her joy in motherhood, referencing her eight-month-old daughter, and noted how her role in Hamnet deepened her understanding of motherhood’s complexities.
My Irish family, they are all here! Mum, dad, thank you for inspiring us to dream and to pursue our passions instead of being shackled by expectations. [To my husband] Fred, I love you, man. You’re an amazing dad and my best friend, and I dream of expanding our family even more! Isla, my little girl, you might be too young to understand this moment, probably dreaming about milk, but this is quite significant. I love you, and I cherish being your mum. I’m excited to explore life with you.
Buckley also used her speech to commend her fellow nominees in the Best Actress category, including Emma Stone (Bugonia), Kate Hudson (Song Sung Blue), Rose Byrne (If I Had Legs I’d Kick You), and Renate Reinsve (Sentimental Value). “Thank you to the amazing women I stand alongside,” said Buckley. “Your passion and art inspire me, and I hope to collaborate with each of you in the future.”
She concluded her speech by acknowledging Hamnet director Chloé Zhao and author Maggie O’Farrell, whose book inspired the film. Buckley also highlighted that it was Mother’s Day in the UK, dedicating her Oscar to the “beautiful chaos of a mother’s heart.”
Chloé and Maggie, exploring this radiant character [Agnes] and understanding a mother’s love has profoundly impacted my life. Since today is Mother’s Day in the UK, I dedicate this award to the beautiful complexity found within a mother’s heart.
Although this marks Buckley’s first Oscar win, she is no newcomer to the Academy Awards. She was previously nominated for Best Supporting Actress for The Lost Daughter in 2022. Hamnet itself received multiple nominations this year, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, Best Casting, Best Production Design, and Best Costume Design.
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
