Jessie Buckley
Jessie Buckley

Irish actress Jessie Buckley solidified her status as the frontrunner for the best actress Oscar on Sunday night, capturing the Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role at the 2026 Actor Awards for her searing portrayal of Agnes Shakespeare in Chloé Zhao's "Hamnet."

Buckley, 36, took the stage at the Shrine Auditorium amid thunderous applause after her name was announced, beating out nominees Rose Byrne ("If I Had Legs I'd Kick You"), Kate Hudson ("Song Sung Blue"), Chase Infiniti ("One Battle After Another") and Emma Stone ("Bugonia"). The win marks the culmination of a dominant awards season run for Buckley, who previously claimed best actress honors at the Golden Globes, Critics Choice Awards and BAFTAs for the same role.

Directed by Zhao and adapted from Maggie O'Farrell's bestselling novel, "Hamnet" reimagines the life of Shakespeare's family, focusing on the grief-stricken Agnes following the death of their young son. Buckley's performance as the intuitive, resilient wife and mother has been widely praised for its emotional depth and quiet power, blending historical authenticity with raw vulnerability.

In her acceptance speech, Buckley expressed profound gratitude to her peers and singled out "Hamnet" co-star Emily Watson, who played a pivotal supporting role. "I have been categorically changed by so many people in this room and beyond," Buckley said, her voice cracking with emotion. "Emily, you're the realest of the real—my north star from the beginning. Thank you for inspiring me every step." The shout-out visibly moved Watson in the audience, with cameras capturing her wiping away tears.

The moment echoed Buckley's earlier tributes to Watson at the Critics Choice Awards in January, where she called the veteran actress her guiding influence. Buckley's heartfelt words underscored the collaborative spirit of the film, which also earned a nomination for outstanding cast performance but lost to Ryan Coogler's "Sinners."

The victory positions Buckley strongly for the Academy Awards on March 15, 2026. She has now swept the major precursor acting awards—a rare feat last achieved by Renée Zellweger for "Judy" in 2019. Industry observers note that the Actor Awards, voted on by SAG-AFTRA members, carry significant weight as a bellwether for Oscar acting categories. Buckley's win makes her the first Irish performer to claim the Actor Award in this category, and a potential Oscar triumph would mark the first for an Irish actress in lead actress.

Buckley's journey to this moment has been marked by consistent critical acclaim since "Hamnet" premiered at Telluride in 2025. Her nuanced depiction of maternal loss and quiet strength resonated deeply, earning her comparisons to past winners like Frances McDormand and Olivia Colman for their ability to convey profound emotion with subtlety.

The 32nd annual Actor Awards—newly rebranded from the Screen Actors Guild Awards—were hosted by Kristen Bell, who opened with a lively monologue incorporating song and dance. The ceremony streamed live on Netflix, drawing millions of viewers worldwide. Other notable film wins included Michael B. Jordan for lead actor in "Sinners," Amy Madigan for supporting actress in "Weapons" and Sean Penn for supporting actor in "One Battle After Another." Television highlights featured Keri Russell in drama series actress for "The Diplomat," Seth Rogen in comedy series actor for "The Studio" and a posthumous win for Catherine O'Hara in comedy series actress for "The Studio."

Buckley's win caps a transformative period for the actress, who has balanced stage work, television and film while building a reputation as one of the most versatile performers of her generation. Her earlier roles in "The Lost Daughter," "I'm Thinking of Ending Things" and "Chernobyl" showcased her range, but "Hamnet" represents a career-defining turn that has elevated her to awards-season dominance.

Post-win, Buckley told reporters backstage she felt "overwhelmed by the love" from fellow actors. "This coming from the people who know what it's like to be in the trenches means everything," she said. She also reflected on the film's themes of love, grief and resilience, noting how they mirrored real-life experiences for many.

As the Oscars approach, Buckley's sweep has shifted the best actress race decisively in her favor. With strong peer support and critical consensus, analysts predict she could become the first Irish Oscar winner in the lead actress category, adding another milestone to an already remarkable season.

The Actor Awards delivered a night of surprises and emotional highs, but Buckley's gracious, heartfelt victory stood out as a highlight, celebrating not just individual achievement but the collaborative magic of filmmaking.