Jessie Buckley won the Best Actress Award for her role in Hamnet at the 2026 Oscars, marking a significant milestone as she became the first Irish woman to receive this honor. The film, directed by Chloé Zhao, is based on Maggie O’Farrell’s 2020 novel and depicts the life of William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes following the tragic death of their son Hamnet.

In her acceptance speech, Buckley expressed her gratitude, dedicating her Oscar to “the beautiful chaos of a mother’s heart” and thanking her fellow nominees. Her performance in Hamnet has garnered critical acclaim, contributing to the film’s impressive eight Oscar nominations.

Barry Keoghan, a co-star in the film, praised Buckley, stating, “I am massively, massively proud of Jessie. I went to see Hamnet at the premiere and I couldn’t stop crying.” This sentiment reflects the emotional depth of Buckley’s portrayal and the film’s impact on audiences.

Leading up to the Oscars, Hamnet won over 15 awards during the award season, showcasing its strong reception in the film industry. Buckley, aged 36, humorously mentioned her desire for “20 children” with her husband during her speech, highlighting her light-hearted nature amidst the serious themes of the film.

As the night unfolded at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Buckley’s win was celebrated not only as a personal achievement but also as a recognition of the vital roles mothers play in society. She remarked, “To receive this recognition of the incredible role mothers play in our world on this day is something I will never, ever forget.”

With its poignant storytelling and powerful performances, Hamnet continues to resonate with audiences and critics alike. Observers are eager to see how the film will perform in future awards and whether it will continue to garner recognition for its artistic contributions.