Jessie Buckley Makes History First Irish Best Actress Oscar Winner

Jessie Buckley has completed a historic sweep of the 2026 awards season. After winning nearly every precursor, she secured the final "crown of excellence" at the 98th Academy Awards. Buckley won her first Oscar for her captivating portrayal of Agnes in Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet, marking a milestone in cinematic history.

Having already secured Golden Globe, BAFTA, and SAG awards, this victory cements Buckley’s status as a generational talent. Notably, she has set a record as the first Irish woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress. Her journey from Dublin to the stage of the Dolby Theatre is a testament to her enduring skill and dedication.

In Hamnet, based on Maggie O’Farrell’s celebrated novel, Buckley plays the wife of William Shakespeare. The film explores the profound grief following the death of their 11-year-old son, Hamnet. Critics have praised Buckley for her emotional depth, illustrating how this family tragedy served as the raw inspiration for Shakespeare’s masterpiece, Hamlet.

Buckley’s rise began in 2008 as a runner-up on the BBC talent show I’d Do Anything. Even at 17, her talent was evident. This year, she triumphed in a competitive category that included Emma Stone (Bugonia), Kate Hudson (Song Sang Blue), Rose Byrne (If I Had Legs I’d Kick You), and Renate Reinsve (Sentimental Value). Ultimately, Buckley’s consistent success throughout the season made her the night's definitive winner.