Jessie Buckley Makes Oscars History as First Irish Best Actress Winner

Jessie Buckley has cemented her place in cinematic history, becoming the first Irish actress to win the Academy Award for Best Actress. She received the honor at the 98th Academy Awards for her captivating performance in Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet.

A Historic Win for Buckley and Ireland

Buckley’s win marks a significant moment, recognizing her talent and breaking a long-standing barrier for Irish actresses at the Oscars. While Saoirse Ronan and Ruth Negga had previously received nominations, Buckley is the first to take home the coveted award. She triumphed over a competitive field that included Rose Byrne (If I Had Legs I’d Kick You), Kate Hudson (Song Sung Blue), Emma Stone (Bugonia), and Renate Reinsve (Sentimental Value).

Hamnet and Buckley’s Performance

In Hamnet, Buckley portrays Agnes Shakespeare, the wife of playwright William Shakespeare (played by Paul Mescal). The film is an adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s acclaimed novel. Buckley’s performance has been widely praised for its depth and emotional resonance, earning her numerous accolades leading up to the Oscars, including wins at the Actor/SAG, Golden Globe, BAFTA, and Critics Choice awards.

An Emotional Acceptance Speech

During her acceptance speech, Buckley expressed gratitude to the “incredible women” she shared the category with, stating, “I am inspired by your art and your heart, and I want to work with every single one of you.” She as well acknowledged the support of her family, noting that Ireland had assisted with travel arrangements for them to attend the ceremony. She thanked her father for instilling in her a belief in pursuing passion and her partner, Fred, expressing her love and desire to continue building a life together.

A Dedication to Motherhood

Buckley dedicated her award to mothers, coinciding with Mother’s Day in the U.K. She spoke of the “beautiful chaos of a mother’s heart” and the lineage of women who have persevered in the face of adversity. She also referenced her eight-month-old daughter, Isla, expressing her excitement to experience life alongside her.

Previous Recognition

This win follows Buckley’s previous Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in The Lost Daughter in 2022. Her recent success with Hamnet has solidified her position as one of the most talented and sought-after actresses of her generation.