Jessie Buckley Makes History with BAFTA Win for ‘Hamnet’

Jessie Buckley has been awarded the Leading Actress BAFTA for her captivating performance in the historical drama Hamnet, becoming the first Irish actress to receive the top honour in the category at the main BAFTA Film Awards. She received the award from fellow Irish actor and BAFTA winner Cillian Murphy.

A Groundbreaking Win for Buckley and Irish Cinema

Buckley’s win marks a significant moment for Irish representation in film. Hamnet, which explores the powerful love story that inspired Shakespeare’s Hamlet, sees Buckley portray Agnes, the wife of William Shakespeare, played by Paul Mescal.

Emotional Acceptance Speech

Accepting the BAFTA, Buckley shared a heartfelt reflection on her journey, stating, “As a little girl, I never in a million years thought I would secure to craft a film.” She recounted her early aspirations, humorously recalling a past self with “nuclear bad fake tan” and a bold dream to emulate Judi Dench. She continued, “This is nuts, this really does belong to the women past, present, and future who taught me and continue to teach me how to do it differently.”

Recognition for the Film and Co-Star

Hamnet itself was a major success at the awards, being named Outstanding British Film. The Chloé Zhao-directed film had been nominated in a total of 11 categories. While Buckley celebrated her win, there was some disappointment for her co-star, Paul Mescal, who lost out on the Supporting Actor award to Sean Penn for his role in One Battle After Another.

Other Notable BAFTA Wins

Robert Aramayo took home the award for Leading Actor for his performance in I Swear, also winning the EE Rising Star Award, a first for any actor in a single year. One Battle After Another was the night’s biggest winner, securing six BAFTAs, including Best Film and Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson. Richard Baneham of Avatar: Fire and Ash won his third BAFTA for Special Visual Effects. Element Pictures also celebrated a win for My Father’s Shadow, named Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer.

Looking Ahead to the Oscars

With the BAFTA awards concluded, attention now shifts to the Oscars, set to seize place on March 15th.

2026 BAFTA Winners – Key Awards

• Best Film: One Battle After Another
• Leading Actress: Jessie Buckley, Hamnet
• Leading Actor: Robert Aramayo, I Swear
• Director: Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another
• Outstanding British Film: Hamnet
• Supporting Actor: Sean Penn, One Battle After Another
• Supporting Actress: Wunmi Mosaku, Sinners