Jessie Buckley Scoops Best Actress at Irish Film and Television Awards
Jessie Buckley continued her awards season success, winning Best Actress at the Irish Film and Television Academy (IFTA) Awards on Friday night. The Kerry-born actor was recognized for her performance as a grieving Agnes Shakespeare in Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet at the Dublin Convention Centre.
A Touching Acceptance Speech
Upon receiving her award, Buckley shared a heartfelt moment, acknowledging Stephen Rea, who presented the award. “You stay here with me. I love this man,” she said, recalling their first collaboration. She emphasized the importance of storytelling, music, and art as integral parts of Irish culture, stating, “Growing up in Ireland, the remarkably nature of storytelling…was a way of life. It is a way of community.” Buckley also paid tribute to her home county of Kerry, thanking it for reminding her of her “own wildness.”
Hamnet Dominates the Awards
Hamnet proved to be a major winner at the ceremony, also securing awards for International Film, Best Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor for Paul Mescal, who was absent from the event.
Other Key Winners
Brendan Canty’s Cork drama, Christy, also enjoyed a successful night, taking home the prizes for Best Film, Best Director, Best Editing, and Best Casting. Canty highlighted the film’s focus on community and its positive impact, particularly through its connection with the Kabin Studio, a hip-hop education center in Cork.
Lifetime Achievement and Rising Stars
Ciarán Hinds was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award, expressing humility and acknowledging the emerging talent in the Irish film industry. Louisa Harland was named the IFTA Rising Star.
Recognition for Television and Acting Talent
In the television categories, Blue Lights, Obituary, and House of Guinness were among the winners. Éanna Hardwicke was awarded Best Actor for his role in Saipan, whereas Lola Petticrew received the award for Lead Actress in a Drama for Trespasses. Steve Coogan accepted the award on behalf of his co-star Hardwicke, joking, “I didn’t think it would happen to me. And it hasn’t.”
Buckley’s Oscar Prospects
With the Bafta Awards approaching, Buckley is considered a strong contender for the Best Actress Oscar, with some bookmakers listing her as a frontrunner.
Full List of IFTA 2026 Award Winners
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Ciarán Hinds
- Screen Ireland – IFTA Rising Star: Louisa Harland
- Best Film: Christy
- Director – Film: Brendan Canty – Christy
- Script – Film: Maggie O’Farrell, Chloé Zhao – Hamnet
- Lead Actor – Film: Éanna Hardwicke – Saipan
- Lead Actress – Film: Jessie Buckley – Hamnet
- Supporting Actor – Film: Paul Mescal – Hamnet
- Supporting Actress – Film: Kerry Condon – F1
- Best Drama: Blue Lights
- Director – Drama: Rachel Carey – Obituary
- Script – Drama: Ailbhe Keogan – Trespasses
- Lead Actor – Drama: Anthony Boyle – House of Guinness
- Lead Actress – Drama: Lola Petticrew – Trespasses
- Supporting Actor – Drama: Chris Walley – The Young Offenders
- Supporting Actress – Drama: Alison Oliver – Task
- Best International Film: Hamnet
- Best International Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio – One Battle After Another
- Best International Actress: Emma Stone – Bugonia
- Feature Documentary: A Want in Her
- Short Film: Nostalgie
- Animated Short Film: Retirement Plan
- Casting: Christy – Amy Rowan
- Cinematography: Die My Love – Seamus McGarvey
- Costume Design: Blue Moon – Consolata Boyle
- Production Design: Wednesday – Philip Murphy, Neville Gaynor
- Makeup & Hair: Trespasses – Natalie Reid
- Sound: Anemone – Steve Fanagan, Stevie Haywood
- Original Music: Báite – Eimear Noone, Craig Stuart Garfinkle
- Editing: Christy – Allyn Quigley
- VFX: House of Guinness – Eoin O’Sullivan, David Sewell