Who is Jessie Buckley? The Irish actress tipped for Oscar glory in 2026

Irish actress Jessie Buckley has quietly but steadily built one of the most dynamic and respected careers of her generation.

Now, her journey to success looks destined for its biggest moment yet as she has earned widespread acclaim and Oscar buzz for her role in Hamnet opposite Paul Mescal.

Born on December 28th, 1989, in Killarney, Co. Kerry, Jessie grew up in a creative household where music and expression were nurtured from an early age.

Her artistic instincts first found a public platform in 2008 when she appeared on the BBC talent show I’d Do Anything, where she finished second — a breakthrough that introduced her talent to a wider audience and put her on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s radar.

Instead of immediately capitalising on the offers that followed, Jessie made a defining choice: she studied acting formally, graduating from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.

This commitment to craft paid off quickly, with stage appearances that included Shakespearean classics like The Tempest and Henry V, giving her early experience with complex text and dramatic range.

Buckley’s early screen work was marked by versatility. After roles in television projects such as War & Peace and Taboo, she transitioned to film with her debut in the psychological thriller Beast (2017).

Her breakout came in 2018’s Wild Rose, a heartfelt musical drama in which she starred as a Scottish mother chasing her dream of becoming a country singer — a performance that earned her a BAFTA nomination and showcased her powerful singing ability.

She continued to expand her range with memorable turns in Chernobyl (2019), the anthology crime series Fargo (2020), and the surreal I’m Thinking of Ending Things (2020).

In 2021, Jessie received her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in The Lost Daughter, directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal – a poignant, layered performance that cemented her reputation among critics and industry voters alike.

In 2025, Buckley delivered what many are calling her most powerful performance yet as Agnes Shakespeare (often known as Anne Hathaway) in the historical drama Hamnet, directed by Chloé Zhao.

The film – an adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s bestselling novel – reimagines the emotional life of William Shakespeare and his wife following the tragic death of their young son, Hamnet, an event that echoes into the creation of Hamlet.

Her portrayal of Agnes is widely being praised for its emotional honesty and depth.

Critics and early viewers alike note the way she embodies both fiery strength and heartbreaking vulnerability, bringing fresh nuance to a historical figure often overshadowed by her husband’s legend.

Jessie herself has said the role revealed a new kind of tenderness in her approach to storytelling – an insight that has shaped her performance and could shape her future career choices.

Hamnet premiered to strong reactions at film festivals and has since premiered in New York and Dublin, with Buckley and co-star Paul Mescal garnering attention for their chemistry and commitment to the story’s emotional core.

The film earned multiple Golden Globe nominations, including Best Actress in a Drama for Jessie, and is generating serious Oscars buzz heading into the 2026 awards season.

Amid this professional peak, Jessie has also embraced big changes in her personal life.

In 2025 she became a mother, and she’s spoken candidly about balancing the demands of awards season with parenthood, often joking that her time is split between promotional appearances and changing nappies.

As Hamnet continues to build momentum, many critics and awards observers are positioning Jessie as a top contender for major acting honours, potentially including her first Oscar win – a recognition that would reflect over a decade of serious, thoughtful work.

In summary, Jessie Buckley’s rise has been anything but accidental: rooted in solid training, fuelled by a fearless artistic spirit, and now culminating in a performance that could redefine her place in cinema’s international landscape.

Whether or not the Oscar follows, she has already proven herself one of her generation’s most compelling actors.

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