Jessie Buckley was crowned Best Leading Actress at the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards, earning the honor for her portrayal of Agnes Hathaway in Hamnet.
The 36-year-old actor accepted the award Sunday night at London’s Royal Festival Hall after being presented the prize by Cillian Murphy. Buckley triumphed over a competitive field that 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, Renate Reinsve for Sentimental Value, and Emma Stone for Bugonia.
In an emotional speech, Buckley dedicated the award to the women who shaped her both personally and professionally. “This really does belong to the women past, present, and future that have taught me and continue to teach me how to do it differently,” she said. “You are all just radical, and you’re doing it for the naughty girls, and I’m in awe of all your incredible performances.”
She spoke passionately about her belief in cinema and the importance of women’s voices in storytelling. “I love what I do. I love cinema. I believe in storytelling to bring us together as a community. I believe in women’s voices to tell those stories,” Buckley added, calling the recognition “an incredible honour.”
Reflecting on her early days in London, Buckley shared a humorous memory of meeting her agent, Lindy King, wearing what she described as “nuclear bad fake tan” and white hoop earrings, while boldly declaring she dreamed of being “a little bit like Judi Dench.” She thanked King for encouraging her “to be disobedient and curious and human.”
Buckley also expressed gratitude to Hamnet director Chloe Zhao, praising her “uncompromising artistry,” and to author Maggie O’Farrell for the source material that inspired the film. “You brought the mother out of the shadows, and you stood her in absolution beside the giant that is Shakespeare,” she said.
The actor closed her speech with a heartfelt tribute to her seven-month-old daughter, whom she shares with husband Freddie Sorensen. Fighting back tears, Buckley said, “It’s the best role of my life being your mom, and I promise to continue to be disobedient so that you can belong to a world in all your mad, complex wildness as a young woman.”
“I am very grateful for this,” she concluded.
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BAFTAs 2026: Hamnet wins Outstanding British Film
