Jessie Buckley has made history by becoming the first Irish woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress, sparking celebrations across Ireland. The Kerry-born actor took the statuette for her portrayal of Agnes Hathaway in Chloé Zhao's film adaptation of Maggie O'Farrell's novel Hamnet.
Political leaders were quick to offer their congratulations. The Irish president, Catherine Connolly, described the win as a historic moment, praising Buckley's outstanding performance across her career. Taoiseach Micheál Martin called it a wonderful night for Irish film, while Tánaiste Simon Harris used the Irish word for congratulations, 'Comhghairdeas'.
Buckley had been the runaway favourite with bookmakers, but her family in Killarney remained nervous as she faced stiff competition from Emma Stone, Rose Byrne, Kate Hudson, and Renate Reinsve. Her uncle, Sean Buckley, noted that although external hype was building, their view of her would not change regardless of the outcome.
In her acceptance speech, Buckley thanked her parents for teaching her to dream and not be defined by expectation. Her brother, Killian, recalled staging plays in their living room and charging their parents to watch, while a cousin described her as open, articulate, and without judgment.
Reports emerged that thousands of Buckley masks are being printed for St Patrick's Day parades, marking an early start to the celebrations. The win adds to a stellar year for Buckley, who has swept major awards, and her family insists her success will not weaken her connection to Ireland.
