Irish actress Jessie Buckley was the toast of Hollywood on Sunday night, securing the coveted Golden Globe for Best Actress for her performance in the critically acclaimed film Hamnet. The 36-year-old star celebrated her significant career milestone with two important men in her life: her rarely-seen husband, Freddie Sorensen, and her on-screen partner and close friend, Paul Mescal.
A Private Celebration with a Supportive Husband
While accepting her award on stage at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, Jessie Buckley made a playful reference to her husband, Freddie Sorensen, joking that he had been "enjoying the free canapés and cocktails." The couple, who exchanged vows in 2023 after five years together, have largely kept their relationship out of the public eye. Buckley has previously revealed that Freddie, who now works in mental health, will "never walk the red carpet" with her due to the sensitive nature of his profession.
Despite his preference for privacy, Freddie was by her side to celebrate her Golden Globes victory. His career path is notably varied; before retraining, he worked behind the scenes in television on shows like The X Factor and the Gladiators reboot. He also co-founded the immersive party brand Rebel Bingo. Freddie later launched the podcast Depression For Beginners to help others, drawing from his own experiences.
On-Screen Chemistry and Real Friendship with Paul Mescal
The evening was also a celebration of cinematic success, as Hamnet itself won the award for Best Film. Buckley and her co-star, Paul Mescal, 29, were pictured sharing the joyous moment, playfully biting the winner's announcement card. Their firm friendship, forged during filming, has been a talking point throughout the awards season.
Just last week at the Critics Choice Awards, where Buckley also won Best Actress, she showered Mescal with compliments from the podium, telling him, "I bl**dy love you, man." She later clarified her now-famous remark that she could "drink Paul like water," explaining it referred to the essential, humanising connection they found in their work together. Mescal reciprocated the admiration, calling Buckley's performance "one of the greatest performances we're going to be seeing for years."
A Grateful Winner Pays Tribute to Heroes and Crew
During her heartfelt Golden Globes acceptance speech, Buckley paid tribute to her fellow nominees, including Hollywood legend Julia Roberts, whom she called a "hero to us all." She also took a charmingly personal detour to thank a member of the crew, a grip named Tomak, who would make homemade Polish soup for everyone on set using a giant cast-iron pot he brought from home.
Reflecting on her journey, Buckley also spoke candidly about her early fame on the 2008 BBC talent show I'd Do Anything, where she finished as runner-up. She described the experience as "brutalising," citing sexist comments from judges, and expressed hope that young women today would not have to endure similar scrutiny.
Now, with a Golden Globe in hand and an Oscar buzz building for her portrayal of Agnes Shakespeare, Jessie Buckley stands at the pinnacle of her profession, supported by a private family life and celebrated by her peers. The couple, who welcomed their first child, a daughter, last year, continue to balance global fame with a cherished life away from the spotlight.
