On the evening of March 1, 2026, the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles was abuzz with anticipation and star power for the 32nd Annual Actor Awards. Formerly known as the SAG Awards, the ceremony—now simply titled the Actor Awards—was streamed live on Netflix, drawing the attention of film lovers and industry insiders around the world. This year, the spotlight shone brightest on Jessie Buckley, who not only clinched the Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role for her work in Hamnet, but also delivered a speech that left the audience in tears and applause.
Buckley’s win was historic: she became the first Irish performer ever to take home this particular honor, marking a significant milestone in both her career and the awards’ history. As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Buckley’s performance as Agnes Shakespeare—wife of William Shakespeare and a grieving mother in Chloé Zhao’s adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s acclaimed novel—has been lauded since Hamnet debuted at the Telluride Film Festival in 2025. The film, which also stars Paul Mescal as William Shakespeare, Emily Watson as Mary Shakespeare (William’s mother), and Jacobi Jupe as the titular Hamnet, explores the personal tragedy that inspired one of literature’s most famous plays, Hamlet.
It’s been a season of dominance for Buckley. According to Entertainment Weekly, she has swept every major precursor award—Critics’ Choice, Golden Globe, and BAFTA—making her the overwhelming favorite for the upcoming Academy Awards. Only once in Oscar history has an actor lost after such a sweep, underscoring the significance of Buckley’s achievements this season. As Variety points out, her victory at the Actor Awards was considered the only certainty in a night otherwise filled with surprises, especially after last weekend’s unexpected BAFTA results.
But beyond the golden statuette, it was Buckley’s acceptance speech that truly resonated. Standing on stage, she took a moment to soak in the faces of her peers, saying, “I have been categorically changed by so many people in this room and beyond. To get to work with my heart in my hand and stand beside my brilliant, daring friends who show me their heart—I mean, what a way to spend a life.” Her words, reported by People, captured the spirit of community and gratitude that defines awards season.
She then turned her attention to her co-star and friend, Emily Watson. Buckley’s tribute was heartfelt and deeply personal: “I’d like to say a special thank you to my incredible friend and date tonight, Emily Watson. 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.” As the camera panned to Watson, visibly moved in the audience, the room felt the weight of Buckley’s sincerity and the depth of their bond.
Buckley’s admiration for Watson isn’t new. Earlier in the season, while accepting the Best Actress award at the Critics’ Choice Awards, Buckley called Watson her “north star from the beginning.” She credited Watson’s iconic performance in the 1996 film Breaking the Waves as the spark that ignited her own passion for acting. “To share those scenes with you in Hamnet, I will cherish that for the rest of my life. Your wild imagination, your brave, untethered womanhood, your ferocious gentleness, is a guiding light to me,” Buckley said, as recounted by People.
The 2026 Actor Awards weren’t just a celebration of individual achievement. The ensemble cast of Hamnet—including Paul Mescal, Jacobi Jupe, and Emily Watson—was nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. Although the ensemble award ultimately went to the cast of Sinners, the recognition affirmed the film’s impact and the chemistry among its stars. Kristen Bell hosted the ceremony for the third consecutive year, bringing her signature wit and warmth to the proceedings, as noted by Just Jared.
Buckley’s competition in the leading actress category was formidable. Nominees included Rose Byrne for If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, Kate Hudson for Song Sung Blue, Chase Infiniti for One Battle After Another, and Emma Stone for Bugonia. Byrne, in particular, was seen as Buckley’s strongest rival, having recently won a slew of critics’ prizes and a Golden Globe. Yet, as The Hollywood Reporter observed, Buckley’s sweep of the major awards set her apart as the clear frontrunner heading into Oscar night.
Beyond the glitz and glamour, Buckley’s journey this season has been one of artistic affirmation and personal growth. As she reflected in her speech, “I love and cherish being part of this community. I hope that I can continue to offer something meaningful back. Thank you very much. This is such a privilege.” Her words, echoed across multiple outlets, struck a chord with viewers and fellow actors alike.
For Buckley, this moment is the culmination of years of dedication and inspiration drawn from artists like Watson. As she told the crowd, “Breaking the Waves made me say to myself, that’s what I want to do.” That dream, sparked decades ago, has led Buckley to the pinnacle of her profession, poised to potentially become the first Irish winner of the Best Actress Oscar in just two weeks’ time.
The 2026 Actor Awards not only celebrated the best in film and television but also reminded audiences of the power of mentorship, friendship, and the enduring impact of art. As Buckley stood on stage, accepting her award and honoring those who paved the way, she embodied the very humanity and generosity she so admires in her peers.
With the Oscar ceremony fast approaching, all eyes are on Jessie Buckley. But for one unforgettable night in Los Angeles, it was her gratitude, humility, and heartfelt tribute to Emily Watson that stole the show.