Trending Now - Jessie Buckley Makes History as Ireland's First Best Actress Oscar Winner
WHO:
President Catherine Connolly, Irish animator Richard Baneham, Prime Minister Micheál Martin, Buckley's brother Killian
Jessie Buckley, actress
Chloé Zhao, director of "Hamnet"
Other nominees: Rose Byrne, Kate Hudson, Renate Reinsve, Emma Stone
WHAT:
Richard Baneham won the Oscar for Best Visual Effects for "Avatar: Fire and Ash"
Buckley expressed gratitude to her family, stating, “Mom, Dad, thank you for teaching us to dream and to never be defined by expectation but to care from your own passion.”
Buckley dedicated her award to “the beautiful chaos of a mother’s heart” and noted the timing coincided with Mother’s Day in the U.K.
Jessie Buckley won the Best Actress Oscar for her role in "Hamnet"
Buckley became the first Irish woman to win the Best Actress category
"Hamnet" was nominated for multiple Oscars: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, Best Casting, Best Production Design, and Best Costume Design
Buckley previously received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress for "The Lost Daughter" in 2022
WHERE:
Buckley was celebrated in her hometown of Kerry, Ireland, where locals displayed posters supporting her Oscar win.
The 98th Academy Awards took place at the Dolby Theatre, Los Angeles
WHEN:
The press release from President Connolly was sent out on Monday, March 16th, 2026.
The Oscars ceremony occurred on Sunday, March 15th, 2026
The ceremony was broadcast live starting at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
WHY:
President Connolly described Buckley’s award as “an historic moment” and a testament to her performances throughout her career.
Buckley was considered a frontrunner for the Best Actress category due to her early wins at various awards, including the Actor Awards, BAFTA Film Awards, Critics Choice Awards, and Golden Globes
HOW:
Buckley’s brother Killian expressed pride in her achievement, stating, “I’m so, so proud of her, it’s just beautiful to see somebody like that.”
Buckley’s performance in "Hamnet" was described as immensely powerful and deeply felt, contributing to her success in the awards season
Chloé Zhao noted Buckley's authenticity and lack of vanity as key attributes for her casting in the role of Agnes Shakespeare
(UPDATED March 17, 2026 05:26 UTC)
In a historic moment for Irish cinema, Richard Baneham won the Oscar for Best Visual Effects for "Avatar: Fire and Ash," while Kerry native Jessie Buckley celebrated her own Oscar win, dedicating her award to “the beautiful chaos of a mother’s heart” on Mother’s Day in the U.K. President Catherine Connolly praised Buckley’s achievement in a press release sent out last Monday, highlighting the significance of her performances throughout her career. Locals in Kerry showed their support with posters honoring Buckley, as her brother Killian expressed his pride, saying, “I’m so, so proud of her, it’s just beautiful to see somebody like that.”
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(UPDATED March 17, 2026 01:32 UTC)
At the 98th Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 15, 2026, Jessie Buckley won the Best Actress Oscar for her powerful performance in "Hamnet," making her the first Irish woman to achieve this honor. The film, which was also nominated for several other Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director, showcased Buckley's immense talent, which had already earned her accolades at various awards leading up to the ceremony. Director Chloé Zhao praised Buckley for her authenticity and lack of vanity, qualities that were instrumental in her casting as Agnes Shakespeare.