Jessie Buckley Shares How Collaborating with Chloé Zhao on Hamnet Rekindled Her Passion for Art
Jessie Buckley and Chloé Zhao.
Credit:
Carsten Koall/picture alliance via Getty
NEED TO KNOW
- Jessie Buckley won Best Actress at the 2026 Critics’ Choice Awards for her role in the Chloé Zhao-directed Hamnet.
- In the film, she portrays Agnes, the wife of William Shakespeare, opposite Paul Mescal.
- “You have reminded me of the power of telling a story,” Buckley said of Zhao during her acceptance speech.
Buckley praised Zhao during her Best Actress acceptance speech at the 2026 Critics’ Choice Awards on January 4, continuing to commend the director backstage.
“Chloé Zhao has reminded me what it is to be an artist, as an actress,” Buckley told reporters in the press room at the ceremony in Santa Monica, California.
Buckley reflected on her journey, stating, “When you start, you’re just so glad to get a job. You can’t quite believe it… You’re watching these other actors and directors… and you start creating your own craft, your own artistry.”
Jessie Buckley and Chloé Zhao hugging in September 2025.
Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty
Reflecting on their collaboration, Buckley emphasized, “Chloé Zhao asked me to step into her world as an artist. It’s been one of the most profound and special experiences of my life… She’s a truly feminine, brilliant leader, and I love her.”
In Hamnet, Buckley embodies Agnes, the wife of the famed playwright, while Paul Mescal takes on the role of Shakespeare himself.
Chloé Zhao directs Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley on the ‘Hamnet’ set.
Agata Grzybowska / FOCUS FEATURES
During her acceptance speech, Buckley emphasized Zhao’s significant influence on her artistry.
She stated, “Chloé Zhao, you have reminded me of the power of telling a story and the journey that you can go on to touch the deepest parts of what it is to be alive.”
Chloé Zhao garnered critical acclaim as the first Asian woman to win Best Director for her work on Nomadland at the 2021 Academy Awards.
This achievement marked Zhao as one of only three women to ever win the Best Director Oscar.
Hamnet is currently showing in select theaters.
