AceShowbiz - Jessie Buckley secured the top prize for outstanding performance by a female actor in a film at the 2026 Actor Awards, solidifying her position as a leading contender for the upcoming Oscars. Her portrayal of Agnes Shakespeare in Hamnet has garnered widespread acclaim, making her a standout in this year’s awards season.

Entering Sunday evening’s ceremony, Buckley had already amassed significant victories, including wins at the Critics Choice Awards, Golden Globes, and BAFTAs. This latest honor from her fellow actors through SAG-AFTRA marks a near-complete sweep of the major precursor awards, a rare achievement that often forecasts success at the Academy Awards held two weeks later.

During her acceptance speech, Buckley expressed deep gratitude to her peers, stating, "I have been categorically changed by so many people in this room and beyond. ... What a way to spend a life." However, the majority of her remarks celebrated her Hamnet co-star and inspiration, Emily Watson. She pointed to Watson in the audience and said, "You!"

Buckley continued, "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." This heartfelt tribute highlighted the profound influence Watson has had on Buckley's approach to acting and career.

The competition at the Actor Awards had been fierce, with Rose Byrne among the leading contenders for her intense role in If I Had Legs I'd Kick You. Byrne had already secured a number of critics’ awards, as well as a Golden Globe and a Spirit Award. Other nominees included Emma Stone for Bugonia and Kate Hudson for Song Sung Blue. Notably, Chase Infiniti received a nomination for One Battle After Another from SAG-AFTRA but was not nominated by the Academy, which instead chose Renate Reinsve for Sentimental Value.

This marked Buckley's first individual nomination at the Actor Awards, despite her previous Oscar-nominated performance in The Lost Daughter not being recognized by SAG-AFTRA. Additionally, she is nominated as part of the Hamnet ensemble and was earlier acknowledged for best ensemble in Women Talking.

Buckley made history as the first Irish performer to win this category at the Actor Awards. Should she go on to win the Oscar for best actress, she will become the first-ever Irish recipient of that prestigious honor, further cementing her rising legacy in film.