Jessie Buckley Faces Backlash Over Cat Comments Amid Oscar Buzz

Jessie Buckley, a frontrunner for Best Actress at the upcoming Academy Awards, has found herself at the center of a minor controversy after sharing her dislike of cats during a podcast appearance with her “Hamnet” co-star, Paul Mescal. Even as the comments were made in a lighthearted manner, they sparked criticism from cat lovers online and in some U.S. Media outlets.

The Story Behind the Comments

Buckley recounted a humorous anecdote about a previous relationship where her then-boyfriend owned two cats. She described one of the cats as a “pedigree model bitch” who deliberately targeted her, even going so far as to leave feces on her pillow. “I’d come home and there’d just be poo on my pillow,” Buckley explained. “And I was, like, ‘it’s me or the cats.’ I won.”

Public Reaction and Media Coverage

Despite the playful tone of her story, the comments drew criticism from some corners of the internet and were labeled as “controversial” by certain U.S. Publications. Cat enthusiasts voiced their disapproval online, but it remains to be seen whether this will impact Buckley’s chances at the Oscars.

“Hamnet” and Buckley’s Oscar Chances

Buckley’s performance in Chloé Zhao’s “Hamnet” has garnered widespread acclaim, earning her nominations for the Lead Actress Oscar, as well as BAFTA and Critics Choice awards. The film itself has likewise been a critical success, winning the top best-picture prize at the Golden Globe Awards and receiving a total of eight Oscar nominations, including for Zhao’s directing and adapted screenplay (shared with Maggie O’Farrell).

Mescal’s Snub

While Buckley’s nomination has been celebrated, her co-star Paul Mescal was notably absent from the Best Supporting Actor nominations, despite receiving recognition from the Golden Globes and other voting bodies. Buckley acknowledged the bittersweet nature of the nominations, noting Mescal’s significant contributions to the film.

Buckley’s Recent Successes

This is not Buckley’s first Oscar nomination. she was previously nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Maggie Gyllenhaal’s “The Lost Daughter.” She has also received praise for her performances in “Women Talking” and “Wild Rose.”

Despite the recent controversy, Buckley remains a strong contender for the Best Actress award, and her career continues to ascend with a series of critically acclaimed roles.