Jessie Buckley Wins Best Actress Oscar. Kate Hudson Recognized for ‘Song Sung Blue’

Jessie Buckley took home the Academy Award for Best Actress on Sunday, March 15, 2026, for her performance as Agnes, William Shakespeare’s wife, in “Hamnet.” The win came as a loss for Kate Hudson, who was also nominated in the same category for her portrayal of Milwaukee’s Claire Sardina in the biopic “Song Sung Blue.”

“Song Sung Blue” and its Real-Life Inspiration

“Song Sung Blue” centers on the life of Claire Sardina and her late husband, Mike, the duo behind the popular Neil Diamond tribute band Lightning & Thunder. The film is based on a 2008 documentary of the same name, chronicling the couple’s story. Hudson’s performance as Claire Sardina brought recognition to the film, earning her an Oscar nomination.

Oscar Night and Other Nominees

The 98th Academy Awards were held at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. Kate Hudson attended the ceremony with her mother, Goldie Hawn, a previous Oscar winner with two nominations throughout her career.

Other nominees in the Best Actress category included Rose Byrne for “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,” Renate Reinsve for “Sentimental Value,” and Emma Stone for “Bugonia.”

Hudson’s Previous Oscar Recognition

This was Hudson’s second Oscar nomination; she was previously nominated for Best Supporting Actress 2½ decades ago for her role as Penny Lane in “Almost Famous.”

Cinematography Recognition

While “Song Sung Blue” was shortlisted for cinematography, it did not ultimately receive a final nomination in that category.