Jessie Buckley’s impressive run of accolades this year shows no signs of slowing down. Following her recent wins at the Golden Globe and BAFTA ceremonies, the actress secured another significant award on Sunday at the Actor Awards. This consistent recognition raises the question of whether her winning streak will extend to the upcoming Oscars later this month.

Buckley’s recent professional engagements have spanned diverse and impactful roles. She portrayed Agnes, the wife of William Shakespeare, in the critically acclaimed production of “Hamnet.” Concurrently, she took on the iconic role of Sally Bowles in the musical “Cabaret” on London’s West End. Her latest triumph at the Actor Awards honored her performance as best actress for her work in “Hamnet.”

The Actor Awards, previously known as the Screen Actors Guild Awards, are dedicated to celebrating the year’s most outstanding on-screen performances across both television and film. Upon accepting her award, Buckley expressed her gratitude, observing, “Wow. I want to like take a minute to see all these incredible, inspiring faces and souls in front of me.” She added, “I have been categorically changed by so many people in this room and beyond.”

A heartfelt tribute was paid to her “Hamnet” co-star, Emily Watson. Buckley stated, “I’d like to say a special thank you to my incredible friend and date tonight, Emily Watson.” She elaborated on Watson’s influence, noting, “‘Breaking The Waves’ made me whisper to myself ‘That is what I want to do.’ To share those scenes with you in ‘Hamnet,’ I will cherish that for the rest of my life.” Buckley concluded her remarks by expressing her deep affection for the community, hoping, “I hope that I can continue to offer something meaningful back.” The Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in Los Angeles on March 15, 2026, commencing at 23:00 GMT.

Jessie Buckley’s Award Achievements

Buckley’s notable award wins leading up to the Oscars include:

Actor Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role – “Hamnet”
BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role – “Hamnet”
Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Actress – “Hamnet”
Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture – Drama – “Hamnet”
Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical – “Cabaret” (2022)

The “Hamnet” Phenomenon

“Hamnet,” based on Maggie O’Farrell’s celebrated novel, offers a fictional exploration into the lives of William Shakespeare, his wife Agnes, and their family. The narrative focuses on the profound impact of their son Hamnet’s death, suggesting its potential influence on Shakespeare’s iconic play, “Hamlet.” The film garnered significant attention, receiving six Golden Globe nominations and ultimately winning two, including the award for best film. Significantly, beyond Buckley’s BAFTA win for her role, “Hamnet” also secured the BAFTA for outstanding British film.

Maggie O’Farrell, the author of the novel, was born in Coleraine, County Londonderry, to Irish parents. She spent her formative years growing up in Wales and Scotland.

Jessie Buckley: A Background in Performance

Originally from Killarney, County Kerry, Jessie Buckley has dedicated nearly two decades to her career in film and theatre. Her reputation extends beyond her acting prowess to encompass her considerable musical talents. Buckley is a former student of the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM) in Dublin, where she honed her skills in singing, piano, clarinet, saxophone, and harp.

As a young performer, Buckley distinguished herself among approximately 40,000 participants, earning RIAM’s nationwide High Achiever award in 2001. At just 17 years old, she auditioned for the BBC television program “I’d Do Anything,” a competition seeking an actress for the role of Nancy in a West End production of “Oliver!” Although she was a runner-up in the competition, Buckley opted against taking on the role of Nancy’s understudy, choosing instead to forge her own path on the London stage. She subsequently secured a role in Stephen Sondheim’s “A Little Night Music” at the Menier Chocolate Factory theatre. Her formal acting education continued with her enrollment at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, from which she graduated with a degree in acting in 2013.