Jessie Buckley Dedicates Actor Award Win to ‘Hamnet’ Co-Star Emily Watson: “You’re the Realest of the Real”

Share on Facebook Share on X Google Preferred Share to Flipboard Show additional share options Share on LinkedIn Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share on Tumblr Share on Whats App Send an Email Print the Article Post a Comment Jessie Buckley came out on top at the 2026 Actor Awards for outstanding performance by a female actor in a film, cementing the Hamnet star’s status as the Oscar frontrunner for best actress. It’s been a dominant run for the Irish native, as she came into Sunday night with major wins already from the Critics Choice Awards , Golden Globes and BAFTAs. With this win, recognizing her devastating turn as Agnes Shakespeare, coming from her peers in SAG-AFTRA, she’ll head into the Oscars in two weeks having effectively swept the precursor awards circuit — a feat that almost always translates to victory at the Academy Awards. Related Stories Movies Amy Madigan Wins First Actor Award for Supporting Actress in 'Weapons': "I've Been Doing This a Long A** Time" TV Bowen Yang Couldn't Join Connor Storrie at Actor Awards Due to Getting Stuck in Antarctica Buckley spoke to being embraced by her peers as she began her speech, saying, “I have been categorically changed by so many people in this room and beyond. … What a way to spend a life.” But the bulk of her remarks were then dedicated to Emily Watson, her costar in Hamnet and an inspiration for her in forging her own career. She pointed to Watson from the stage and said, “You!” “I’d like to say a special thank you to my incredible friend and date tonight, Emily Watson,” Buckley continued. “ Breaking the Waves made me say to myself, that’s what I want to do. … The best advice that you always give to me is to always go back to the well of just being human. Ground zero, babe. You’re the realest of the real.” Buckley’s strongest competition at the Actor Awards 2026 was thought to be Rose Byrne, whose intense performance in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You won her a slew of critics’ prizes, in addition to a Golden ...