Jessie Buckley has won the best actress Oscar for her role in Hamnet at the 98th Academy Awards, becoming the first Irish-born actress to win the category. The 36-year-old triumphed over a strong field including Rose Byrne, Kate Hudson, and Renate Reinsve.
In the film, an adaptation of Maggie O'Farrell's novel directed by Chloé Zhao, Buckley plays Agnes Shakespeare, wife of the playwright William, portrayed by Paul Mescal. This is Buckley's first Oscar win, having been previously nominated for best supporting actress for The Lost Daughter.
In her acceptance speech, Buckley thanked the other nominees, saying: 'Thank you to the incredible women that I stand beside. I am inspired by your art and your heart, and I want to work with every single one of you.' She also expressed gratitude to her father for 'teaching us to dream and to never be defined by expectation'.
Buckley, who gave birth to her daughter Isla eight months ago, addressed her child: 'This is kind of a big deal. I love you and I love being your mum and I can't wait to discover life beside you.' Noting that it was Mother's Day in the UK, she dedicated the award 'to the beautiful chaos of a mother's heart'.
Buckley had dominated the awards circuit this year, winning best actress at the Baftas, Golden Globes, Critics' Choice, and Actor awards. Her victory marks a historic moment for Irish cinema, with previous Irish nominees in the category including Saoirse Ronan and Ruth Negga.
