Andrew Lloyd Webber Breaks Silence on Jessie Buckley's Oscar Win
Musical theatre legend Andrew Lloyd Webber has publicly congratulated actress Jessie Buckley on her historic Oscar win, describing her as "very special" in a heartfelt video message. This comes shortly after Buckley, who won the Best Actress award for her role in Hamnet at the Oscars on 15 March 2026, revealed she felt "unfairly objectified" and "brutalised" during her appearance on Lloyd Webber's reality competition show I'd Do Anything in 2008.
Lloyd Webber's Heartfelt Congratulations
In a video posted to Instagram, Andrew Lloyd Webber expressed his overwhelming joy at Buckley's achievement. "I just wanted to say how absolutely thrilled I am that Jessie Buckley won Best Actress at the Oscars last night," he said. "I've known Jessie for years, ever since she was on the television programme I recorded I'd Do Anything. I'm so completely overwhelmed by the whole thing that I went on YouTube and found the little clip of her doing The Man That Got Away all those years ago."
Lloyd Webber recalled a significant moment from the show, highlighting his early recognition of her talent. "I remember having a big row with the BBC about saying that I really wanted her to sing that song, and I just remember that she took the roof off the building. That was the moment I think I knew, and I think that everybody else did, that this was a very, very special girl and she was going to be a huge star."
He concluded his message with warm praise: "She hasn't just won the Oscar, she won everything. But if by any chance beautiful lovely Jessie ever gets to see this, well done darling."
Jessie Buckley's Reflections on I'd Do Anything
Jessie Buckley, now 35, made her television debut at age 17 on I'd Do Anything, where she competed against other musical theatre actresses for the chance to play Nancy in a West End production of Oliver!. She finished second, behind Jodie Prenger and ahead of Samantha Barks.
In a recent interview with Vogue, Buckley reflected critically on her experience. "As women, it's such unfair objectification," she said. "Back then, I was just trying to move into a space of myself. I really hope that a 15, 17, whatever-age woman never has to be brutalised quite like what happened on that show."
Despite these comments, Lloyd Webber's congratulatory gesture shows a bridge between past controversies and present achievements.
Support from Former Co-Stars
Andrew Lloyd Webber isn't the only person affiliated with I'd Do Anything to reach out following Buckley's win. Rachel Tucker, who came fourth on the show, shared her pride on social media. Posting a video from an Irish bar in Buckley's hometown of County Kerry, where locals cheered the news, Tucker wrote: "This. I couldn't be more proud of an old pal of mine!"
Katie Hall, who briefly appeared on the show and now plays Sally Bowles in Cabaret—a role Buckley originated four years ago—also commented: "Of course she won, there was no other option! Huge congratulations to our incredible original Sally."
Historical Context of I'd Do Anything
I'd Do Anything was the third competition show helmed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, following How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? and Any Dream Will Do. The show searched for a new Nancy for Oliver!, and Lloyd Webber later produced Over The Rainbow to find a Dorothy for The Wizard of Oz.
Buckley's Oscar win marks a significant milestone, as she is the first Irish-born star to win the Best Actress award, adding to the cultural significance of her achievement amidst the backdrop of her early career struggles.
