Jessie Buckley Makes History with Oscar Win for ‘Hamnet’

Jessie Buckley has become the first Irish woman to win the Best Actress Academy Award, securing the honor for her performance in Hamnet. The win has sparked celebrations across Ireland, with President Catherine Connolly leading the tributes.

A Historic Win

Buckley’s win, announced on Sunday night, marks a significant milestone in Irish cinematic history. Prior to this, only Saoirse Ronan and Ruth Negga had been nominated for the Best Actress Oscar, but neither had taken home the award. Buckley was previously nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 2022 for The Lost Daughter.

President Connolly and Government Praise

President Catherine Connolly hailed Buckley’s achievement as a “historic moment,” stating it was “a thoroughly deserved testament not only to Jessie’s outstanding performance in Hamnet, but to her performances both in film and on stage across her career to date.” [Source: VIP Magazine] Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris too offered their congratulations, recognizing the win as a proud moment for Irish film and the performing arts. [Source: Extra.ie]

‘Hamnet’ and Buckley’s Performance

Buckley’s winning role was in Hamnet, directed by Chloé Zhao and based on the novel by Maggie O’Farrell. The film explores the love story that inspired Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Buckley portrayed Agnes Hathaway, William Shakespeare’s wife. While Hamnet received eight Oscar nominations, Buckley was the film’s sole winner. [Source: RTÉ]

A Personal and Emotional Acceptance Speech

In her acceptance speech, Buckley expressed gratitude to her family, acknowledging their support in pursuing her dreams. She specifically thanked her parents for encouraging her to “never be defined by expectation but to carve from your own passion.” She also shared a touching message to her husband, Fred, and their eight-month-old daughter, Isla. [Source: RTÉ]

Community Pride

The win has been met with immense pride in Buckley’s hometown of Killarney, with reports of thousands of Jessie Buckley masks being printed for St. Patrick’s Day parades. Family members have emphasized that her success will not change her grounded nature, noting her continued connection to Ireland and her authentic self. [Source: RTÉ]

Richard Baneham’s Continued Success

The celebrations extended to Richard Baneham, who won his third Oscar for visual effects work on the Avatar films. President Connolly also congratulated Baneham on his achievement. [Source: Derry Now]