BAFTA 2026: Jessie Buckley Wins Best Actress for Hamnet, Makes History as First Irish Winner
Reuters
Irish actor Jessie Buckley strengthened her awards-season momentum after winning Best Actress at the EE British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards in London. The honour came just days after she secured the same category at the Irish Film and Television Academy Awards, marking a significant milestone in her career
Buckley received the BAFTA trophy at the Royal Festival Hall on London’s South Bank for her performance in Hamnet, directed by Chloé Zhao. Actor Cillian Murphy presented the award, as the ceremony celebrated major achievements across global cinema.
Buckley’s performance as Agnes Shakespeare in Hamnet has drawn widespread critical praise for its emotional depth and restrained intensity. The film explores grief, motherhood and artistic legacy through the story of William Shakespeare’s family, placing Buckley’s character at the narrative centre.
Her BAFTA victory also carries historical significance, with Buckley becoming the first Irish performer to win the Best Actress category at the awards. Industry observers have described the recognition as a turning point that further positions her among the leading performers of her generation.
Buckley’s recent run across international awards circuits reflects the growing influence of character-driven dramas in major ceremonies, particularly those anchored by intimate storytelling and strong female perspectives.
During her acceptance speech, Buckley spoke about the women who influenced her artistic journey and reflected on balancing work with motherhood. She described the award as belonging to women across generations and shared a personal message about her daughter, highlighting the importance of creative freedom and resilience.
The BAFTA ceremony itself was dominated by One Battle After Another, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, which won six awards including Best Film. The film’s strong performance reinforced its status as a major awards contender heading into the Oscars.
Other projects, including Sinner, also secured key wins, with several artists receiving their first BAFTA recognition — a sign of shifting industry dynamics that increasingly reward diverse storytelling and emerging talent.
Buckley’s BAFTA triumph significantly boosts her awards-season prospects as attention turns to the Academy Awards. Strong critical reception for Hamnet and her consecutive wins across ceremonies position her as a major contender in international categories.
For director Chloé Zhao, the recognition adds another milestone to a career already marked by global acclaim, reinforcing her ability to deliver emotionally resonant narratives across genres.
Meanwhile, the broader BAFTA results indicate a competitive awards landscape where prestige dramas, independent storytelling and ensemble-driven projects are shaping industry conversation.
Buckley is expected to continue promotional appearances and festival screenings, with Hamnet likely to see renewed audience interest following the BAFTA win.
Jessie Buckley’s historic BAFTA victory highlights both personal achievement and a broader shift toward character-focused storytelling in global cinema. As awards season progresses, her performance in Hamnet stands as one of the year’s most celebrated portrayals, signalling continued momentum for the actor and the film alike.
Our Final Thoughts
Jessie Buckley’s BAFTA win reflects the growing recognition of performances that prioritise emotional nuance over spectacle. Her portrayal in Hamnet demonstrates how intimate storytelling can resonate widely when supported by strong direction and authentic character work. The historic nature of her victory also highlights evolving representation within major awards bodies, signalling greater visibility for Irish talent on global platforms. As awards season intensifies, Buckley’s momentum illustrates how consistent critical acclaim can reshape industry narratives around performers. At the same time, the night’s broader results show a balance between prestige cinema and emerging voices, suggesting a more inclusive awards landscape. Whether or not the momentum carries into the Oscars, Buckley’s performance has already secured a lasting place in this year’s cinematic conversation.