Reactions pour in following Jessie Buckley’s Oscar win

Reactions are pouring in following Jessie Buckley’s Oscar win at the 98th Academy Awards, where she was crowned as Best Actress and became the first Irish actress to receive the award.

The Killarney native portrayed Agnes Shakespeare in Hamnet, Chloe Zhao’s film based on Co. Derry author Maggie O'Farrell's novel of the same name.

In a second Irish win, Tallaght-born animator and visual effects supervisor Richard Baneham, received his third Oscar for Visual Effects in Avatar: Fire and Ash.

In a statement published this morning, President Catherine Connolly offered her “warmest congratulations to Jessie Buckley and Richard Baneham following their fantastic success in being awarded an Oscar at last night’s Academy Awards ceremony.”

She called Buckey’s award a “historic moment”, and adding that “This achievement is a thoroughly deserved testament not only to Jessie’s outstanding performance in Hamnet, but to her performances both in film and on stage across her career to date. I know that her proud community in Kerry and beyond will be sharing with her in this wonderful achievement.”

The President went on to call Baneham’s win “a truly remarkable achievement,” before offering her congratulations to Irish nominees Maggie O’Farrell, John Kelly, Ed Guiney and Andrew Lowe and all at Element Pictures and Wild Atlantic Pictures.

 

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Meanwhile Minister Patrick O’Donovan wrote in a statement that Buckley’s win was “a magnificent achievement and a moment of real pride for Ireland,” as well as “a testament to her extraordinary talent, dedication and artistic courage.”

He also qualified Baneham’s third Oscar win “a testament to his extraordinary expertise and his leadership in one of the most technically advanced areas of global filmmaking.”

Meanwhile, Tánaiste Simon Harris wrote: “What a moment. It’s fantastic to see Jessie recognised on the biggest stage in the world. All of Ireland is so proud tonight. Comhghairdeas Jessie!”

Jessie Buckley has done it!!

The first Irish woman to ever win Best Actress at the Academy Awards.

What a moment.

It’s fantastic to see Jessie recognised on the biggest stage in the world.

All of Ireland is so proud tonight. Comhghairdeas Jessie! pic.twitter.com/p5qTmmfh1b

— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) March 16, 2026

Elsewhere, Désirée Finnegan, Chief Executive at Screen Ireland congratulated both winners, adding that “Ireland’s screen sector has grown significantly over the past decade, with sustained support from the Irish Government. The artists and filmmakers nominated this year, across acting, producing, animation and visual effects, reflect the extraordinary talent and artistry that defines the Irish film industry. We hope their remarkable work will inspire the next generation and strengthen Ireland’s reputation for storytelling on screen.”

Kerry FC also warmly congratulated their county-native, writing “we are so proud of you Jessie!”

We are so proud of you Jessie! 💚

A massive congratulations to Kerry actress Jessie Buckley who claimed the Oscar for best actress in a leading role overnight.

Jessie’s family established and run the Arbutus Hotel in Killarney and our flag is proudly on display in the bar in… pic.twitter.com/0faCGnUjO3

— Kerry Football Club (@KerryFC) March 16, 2026

Accepting the award yesterday night, The Killarney native laughed: “This is really something!"

"My Irish family, they're all here. Ireland bought them flights...Mom, Dad, thank you for teaching us to dream."

Buckley was previously nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the Oscars in 2022 for her role in The Lost Daughter. This is her first Academy Award win.