Jessie Buckley Makes History as First Irish Woman to Win Best Actress Oscar

Killarney’s own Jessie Buckley has made Oscar history, becoming the first Irish woman ever to win the Academy Award for Best Actress. The Kerry native took home the coveted prize at the 98th Academy Awards on Saturday night for her stunning portrayal in Hamnet, a film based on Maggie O’Farrell’s bestselling novel about the life of Shakespeare’s son.

In the 98-year history of the Oscars, only Saoirse Ronan and Ruth Negga had previously been nominated in the Best Actress category from Ireland — but it was Buckley who finally brought the award home.

From Killarney to Hollywood

Buckley’s journey to Oscar glory is a remarkable Irish story. The Killarney woman first burst onto the scene as a teenager on the BBC talent show I’d Do Anything before carving out a critically acclaimed career on stage and screen. From Wild Rose to The Lost Daughter to Women Talking, she built a reputation as one of the most fearless performers of her generation — and Hamnet proved to be her crowning achievement.

“Go raibh míle, míle maith agat”

In a deeply moving acceptance speech, Buckley dedicated her Oscar to “the beautiful chaos of a mother’s heart” — a fitting tribute given Hamnet‘s exploration of maternal grief and love. She thanked her husband and her eight-month-old daughter, noting that her family had flown over from Ireland for the ceremony — “Ireland bought them flights,” she said with a grin.

She closed her speech with a message in Irish: “Go raibh míle, míle maith agat” — a thousand, thousand thanks — bringing a piece of home to the Dolby Theatre stage.

Celebrations Across Ireland

Back in Killarney, the celebrations began immediately. Posters had been placed across the town in the days before the ceremony, and when the announcement came, pubs and streets erupted in joy. President Catherine Connolly congratulated Buckley, calling it “a thoroughly deserved testament not only to Jessie’s outstanding performance in Hamnet, but to her performances both in film and on stage across her career to date.”

Ireland had further reason to celebrate on Oscar night, with Dubliner Richard Baneham taking home the award for Best Visual Effects — marking another proud moment for Irish talent on the world stage.

It was a night that Ireland will not forget, and Jessie Buckley’s name is now etched into the history books alongside the greatest performers the country has ever produced.

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