Barry Keoghan Moved to Tears by Jessie Buckley’s ‘Hamnet’ Performance

Barry Keoghan has publicly expressed his admiration for Jessie Buckley ahead of the Academy Awards, revealing he was deeply moved by her performance in the film Hamnet. Keoghan, himself an Oscar nominee for his role in The Banshees of Inisherin in 2023, spoke about Buckley’s talent during an interview on RTÉ Radio 1 with David McCullough.

Buckley’s Performance and Oscar Nomination

Buckley has received a Best Actress nomination for her portrayal of Agnes Shakespeare in Chloé Zhao’s drama, Hamnet. The film is also nominated for Best Picture and Best Director. Keoghan described Buckley as “lovely” and deserving of the recognition, stating, “She’s incredible.”

Emotional Impact of ‘Hamnet’

Keoghan shared his personal experience of watching Hamnet, revealing he “couldn’t stop crying” during the film. He was invited to a screening by Paul Mescal, who co-stars as William Shakespeare. Keoghan was particularly touched by the performances of both Buckley and Mescal, and by the opportunity to meet Mescal’s parents and witness their support. He described the film as “absolutely touching and gorgeous.”

Praise for Chloé Zhao

Keoghan also commended director Chloé Zhao, with whom he previously collaborated on Marvel’s Eternals, calling Hamnet a “lovely film.” He expressed his hope for Buckley’s success at the Oscars, wishing her “Irish luck.”

‘Hamnet’ and the Shakespeare Story

Hamnet explores the story of William Shakespeare and his wife, Agnes, as they grapple with the grief of losing their son, Hamnet. The film is based on Maggie O’Farrell’s bestselling novel and is understood to have inspired Shakespeare’s iconic play, Hamlet [Just Jared].

Keoghan’s Current Projects

Beyond his praise for his colleagues, Keoghan also provided updates on his own projects. He spoke enthusiastically about the Sam Mendes-directed four-film series about The Beatles, in which he plays Ringo Starr alongside Paul Mescal, Harris Dickinson, and Joseph Quinn. He described the cast as “brothers” and highlighted the strong bond they’ve formed. [RTÉ]

Keoghan is also currently starring in Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, the continuation of the popular TV series, alongside Cillian Murphy.