Jessie Buckley has made history by becoming the first Irish-born actress to win the Best Actress award at the Academy Awards. The 36-year-old actress, known for her role as Agnes Shakespeare in “Hamnet,” added the prestigious Oscar to her list of accolades after previously winning a Golden Globe earlier this year.
During her acceptance speech at the Dolby Theatre in LA, Jessie, who has been married to Freddie Sorensen since 2023 and welcomed their daughter Isla in 2025, expressed her gratitude and emotions. She thanked her fellow nominees and the producers of the film for their support, mentioning the important role they played in her success.
Addressing her family, Jessie thanked her parents for instilling in her the value of following her dreams and not conforming to expectations. She lovingly praised her husband, Fred, as an incredible father and her best friend, expressing her desire to have more children with him. She also dedicated a heartfelt message to her daughter, Isla, acknowledging her presence in her life.
The award-winning movie, featuring Paul Mescal, is directed by Chloé Zhao, who made history as an Oscar winner, and co-written by Maggie O’Farrell. The film explores the story of Agnes and William Shakespeare and the impact of their son Hamnet’s death on Shakespeare’s renowned work, “Hamlet.”
Jessie, who rose to fame after appearing on the BBC series “I’d Do Anything,” concluded her emotional speech by dedicating her award to mothers worldwide, especially on Mother’s Day in the UK. Irish President Catherine Connolly congratulated Jessie Buckley on her historic achievement, highlighting her outstanding performances both on stage and in film.
The actress reflected on her remarkable journey and the surreal experiences she encountered throughout her career, expressing gratitude for the unexpected opportunities that came her way. She emphasized the importance of cherishing moments like the Oscar luncheon and meeting esteemed industry professionals, realizing the significance of her achievements beyond her initial expectations.