Jessie Buckley Wins First Oscar for ‘Hamnet’ and Dedicates Win to Mothers

Jessie Buckley delivered a moving acceptance speech after winning her first Academy Award on Sunday, March 16, 2026, for her portrayal of Agnes Shakespeare in the film Hamnet. Buckley’s win marks a historic moment as she becomes the first Irish actress to win in the Best Actress category The Guardian.

A Historic Win for Buckley and Ireland

The 98th Academy Awards saw Buckley triumph over a competitive field including Rose Byrne (If I Had Legs I’d Kick You), Kate Hudson (Song Sung Blue) and Renate Reinsve (Sentimental Value) Reuters. Hamnet, directed by Chloé Zhao and adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s novel, explores the life of William Shakespeare (played by Paul Mescal) and his wife, Agnes, and their grief following the death of their son, Hamnet US Magazine.

An Emotional Acceptance Speech

Buckley’s speech was filled with gratitude and emotion. She began by acknowledging her fellow nominees, stating, “I am inspired by your art and your heart, and I want to operate with every single one of you.” She then thanked her parents for instilling in her a love of dreaming and pursuing her passions NPR.

A particularly touching moment came when Buckley spoke of her husband, Freddie Sorensen, calling him her “best friend” and expressing her desire to have “20,000 more babies with you.” She also acknowledged their eight-month-ancient daughter, Isla, imagining her “dreaming of milk.”

Dedication to Mothers

Buckley dedicated her award to “the attractive chaos of a mother’s heart,” as it was Mother’s Day in the UK. She spoke of the lineage of women who create “against all odds” and expressed her gratitude for being recognized in the role of Agnes Shakespeare NPR.

About Hamnet

Hamnet dramatizes the personal life of William Shakespeare, focusing on his marriage to Agnes and the devastating loss of their son, Hamnet. The film has garnered critical acclaim, particularly for Buckley’s performance as Agnes, a complex and compelling portrayal of a woman navigating grief and love US Magazine.