Could Oscar Glory Be Next for Jessie Buckley and Hamnet

From an early breakthrough on television to standing at the forefront of global cinema, Jessie Buckley’s career has followed an arc that now seems poised for its most significant chapter yet. After her recent Golden Globe triumph, attention has shifted rapidly toward the Academy Awards, where Buckley is emerging as one of the strongest contenders of the season. The success of Hamnet has not only elevated her standing but has also placed Irish storytelling firmly at the centre of the awards conversation.

A performance that reshaped Buckley’s career

Jessie Buckley won the Golden Globe for best actress in a drama for her portrayal of Agnes, the wife of William Shakespeare, in Hamnet. The performance has been widely praised for its emotional restraint, intensity and psychological depth. Rather than leaning on theatrical excess, Buckley delivered a portrayal rooted in grief, motherhood and quiet resilience.

This role represents a culmination of years of carefully chosen projects. Buckley has long been admired for her versatility, but Hamnet positioned her not just as a strong performer, but as a leading actor capable of anchoring a serious awards contender.

Hamnet’s rise as an awards heavyweight

Hamnet has exceeded expectations throughout awards season. Winning best film drama at the Golden Globes confirmed that the film resonates beyond individual performances. Its meditative tone, literary origins and emotional ambition have struck a chord with critics and voters alike.

The film’s success lies in its refusal to treat Shakespeare as myth. Instead, it focuses on personal loss and domestic life, grounding a legendary figure in universal human experience. That approach has distinguished Hamnet from more conventional historical dramas.

Why the Oscars are now firmly in sight

Golden Globe success often acts as a springboard rather than a guarantee, but Buckley’s momentum feels particularly strong. Her performance aligns closely with the type of work the Academy has increasingly rewarded in recent years, character driven, emotionally complex and anchored in literary storytelling.

Industry analysts point to the consistency of praise across critics’ groups as a key factor. Buckley’s win was not seen as a surprise or an outlier, but as recognition of a performance that has steadily gained admiration throughout the season.

A potential double win for Ireland

The Oscar conversation around Hamnet extends beyond Buckley alone. Maggie O’Farrell, the author of the acclaimed novel on which the film is based, could also be in line for Academy Award recognition as co writer of the screenplay.

O’Farrell’s involvement in the adaptation ensured the film retained the novel’s emotional integrity. A screenplay nomination or win would mark a rare and meaningful crossover from literary acclaim to cinematic recognition, reinforcing the strength of Irish storytelling across disciplines.

The significance of this moment

If Buckley were to secure an Oscar, it would represent more than personal achievement. It would symbolise the growing influence of Irish actors and writers within the highest levels of international cinema. In recent years, performers from Ireland have increasingly moved beyond supporting roles into leading, awards driven performances.

Hamnet’s success suggests that audiences and institutions alike are embracing stories that prioritise emotional truth over spectacle, and that actors willing to commit fully to such material are being rewarded.

What could still stand in the way

Despite the momentum, the Oscars remain unpredictable. Campaign dynamics, late season releases and shifting narratives can all influence final outcomes. Buckley faces competition from other acclaimed performances, and the Academy’s voting body is larger and more diverse than the Golden Globes.

However, Hamnet’s consistent recognition across categories strengthens its overall position. Films that perform well as ensembles and across creative disciplines tend to maintain visibility deep into awards season.

A defining chapter still being written

Whether or not Oscar night delivers ultimate victory, this moment already marks a turning point. Jessie Buckley has moved from respected talent to genuine awards frontrunner, while Hamnet has secured its place as one of the defining films of the year.

If Academy voters follow the same instincts that shaped the Golden Globes, Oscar glory may well be the next chapter in a story that continues to elevate Irish cinema on the world stage.