Jessie Buckley has described her starring role in Hamnet as “one of the most personal, intimate, significant jobs I’ve done,” as the acclaimed Irish actress stands at the centre of one of the most talked-about films of the awards season. Hamnet — released in Irish cinemas today, 9 January 2026 — has generated intense critical buzz and placed Buckley firmly in the spotlight for top acting honours.
Directed by Oscar-winning auteur Chloé Zhao and adapted from the 2020 novel by Coleraine-born author Maggie O’Farrell, Hamnet reimagines the tragic story of William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes, charting the devastating impact of losing their young son, Hamnet, to plague in 1596. The film has been celebrated on the festival circuit and is now rolling out widely in cinemas across Ireland and the UK.
Buckley, who portrays Agnes — historically known as Anne Hathaway — has been at the heart of this acclaim. At the Irish premiere in Dublin’s Light House Cinema, she spoke candidly about the experience of making the film and the profound connection she felt with the material and her castmates.
@universalpicturesuk There's no place like home. 🇮🇪 ✨ Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal back in Ireland for the Dublin Premiere of HAMNET, in cinemas January 9. #JessieBuckley #PaulMescal ♬ original sound - Universal Pictures UK
“It wasn’t just camaraderie, it was a family, we lived like a family, the minute we got that set none of us wanted to leave,” Buckley said of her time on set, emphasising the close bond among the cast and crew that, she suggested, fuelled the emotional core of their performances.
The comments underscore what many observers have noted: Buckley’s portrayal is not just technically impressive but deeply felt. Her work with co-star Paul Mescal — who plays Shakespeare opposite her — has drawn particular praise, and the pair have quickly become one of the most celebrated screen partnerships of the year.
This acclaim has translated into tangible industry recognition. Buckley recently won Best Actress at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards for her work in Hamnet, an accolade that positions her as a major contender in the upcoming Oscar race.
@fandango Jessie Buckley wins Best Actress at the 2026 #CriticsChoiceAwards for the role of Agnes Shakespeare in #Hamnet. #movietok #filmtok ♬ original sound - Fandango
Despite the awards chatter, Buckley continues to approach the conversation with grounded perspective. She has acknowledged the buzz — including Golden Globe nominations alongside Mescal — but stressed a focus on the moment rather than speculation. “Whatever comes, we’ll meet that in the moment,” she said when asked about awards season talk.
Her commitment to the role is reflected in how she describes her approach to acting. At the Irish premiere she spoke about immersing herself fully in Agnes’s emotional landscape — a mother’s grief, and a woman grappling with loss — and how that process taught her something about life itself.
Buckley’s performance in Hamnet marks a high point in a career that has steadily ascended from stage and television to international film stardom. Born in Killarney, Co. Kerry, she first came to public attention as a finalist on a BBC talent show and has since built a resume of acclaimed roles in films such as Wild Rose and The Lost Daughter, the latter earning her previous award nominations.
Her ability to navigate both musical and dramatic terrain has made her one of Ireland’s most versatile performers. Critics and audiences alike have praised her capacity to convey complexity and emotional truth, traits that have served her well in Hamnet’s challenging material.
Hamnet itself — with a running time of 126 minutes — is already among the most anticipated films of the year. Starring Buckley and Mescal alongside Emily Watson and Joe Alwyn, the film premiered at the prestigious Telluride Film Festival and was later featured at the BFI London Film Festival and Toronto International Film Festival, where early screenings underscored its potential as both a commercial and awards contender.
The story’s resonance — exploring love, loss and the origins of one of Shakespeare’s greatest works — has struck a chord with audiences. Critics have praised Zhao’s direction and the film’s emotional depth, with particular emphasis on Buckley’s central performance as a defining strength.
For Buckley, the film’s Irish release comes at a moment of personal and professional convergence. Recently becoming a mother herself, she has spoken about how motherhood has informed her perspective on roles such as Agnes, adding another layer of authenticity to her portrayal.
As Hamnet opens across cinemas in Ireland today, it offers not just a cinematic event but a showcase of Buckley’s extraordinary talent at its most compelling. For many, it marks the arrival of an Irish star whose best work may yet lie ahead.
