Ireland Celebrates Jessie Buckley’s Inspiring Oscar Win
In a historic moment at the 98th Academy Awards, Jessie Buckley made headlines as the first Irish actress to win the Oscar for Best Actress for her role in Hamnet. The achievement has sparked celebrations across Ireland, including a statement of pride from President Catherine Connelly.
“Jessie Buckley’s award is a historic moment, with her becoming the first Irish woman to receive an Oscar in the Best Actress category,” Connelly said in a press release. “This achievement is a testament not only to Jessie’s outstanding performance in Hamnet, but to her remarkable contributions to both film and stage throughout her career. I know her proud community in Kerry and beyond will share in this wonderful achievement.”
In addition to recognizing Buckley, Connelly also acknowledged fellow Irish native Richard Baneham, who won his third Oscar for Visual Effects.
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In her acceptance speech, Buckley described the honor of her win for portraying a grieving mother as her “greatest honor.”
“To know this incandescent woman and journey to understand the capacity of a mother’s love is the greatest collision of my life,” she stated. “It’s Mother’s Day in the UK today, but I would like to dedicate this to the beautiful chaos of a mother’s heart.”
Prime Minister Micheál Martin also took to social media to congratulate Buckley, noting, “Congratulations Jessie Buckley on your historic Oscar success! A well-deserved win too for Richard Baneham on a wonderful night for Irish film and the performing arts.”
Focus Features’ Hamnet garnered a total of eight Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Directing, Writing (Adapted Screenplay), Music (Original Score), Casting, Costume Design, and Production Design.
The film, an adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s 2020 novel, tells the poignant story of William Shakespeare, portrayed by Paul Mescal, and his wife, played by Buckley, as they grapple with the loss of their son. The cast also features Noah Jupe, Jacobi Jupe, Emily Watson, and Joe Alwyn.
Congratulations Jessie Buckley on your historic Oscar success!
A well-deserved win too for Richard Baneham on a wonderful night for Irish film and the performing arts. ☘️☘️ pic.twitter.com/tOC9q5JJo4
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) March 16, 2026
