Entertainment · 23 February 2026

Jessie Buckley Wins Leading Actress BAFTA for Hamnet

Jay Dixit via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Irish actress Jessie Buckley has won the Best Leading Actress award at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards for her powerful performance as Agnes Shakespeare in Hamnet. The victory, presented at London’s Royal Festival Hall, marks a career highlight and makes her the first Irish performer to take home the prize. Buckley delivered an emotional acceptance speech, celebrating her craft and the women who inspired her. Hamnet also earned Outstanding British Film honours.

By BriefTea Editorial · 23 February 2026 at 4:06

Reported by The Irish Times · How we write briefs