Jessie Buckley has expressed heartfelt sentiments about her collaboration with Emily Watson during the filming of the critically acclaimed film ‘Hamnet.’ Buckley shared these emotions at the 2026 Actor Awards, where she received the accolade for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role on March 1.
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In her acceptance speech, Buckley, 36, took a moment to acknowledge the inspiring individuals in the room, reflecting on how her experiences in the industry have profoundly affected her. “I have been categorically changed by so many people in this room and beyond,” she remarked. Her warm words highlighted the importance of camaraderie and support among actors, underscoring her genuine appreciation for those she has worked alongside.
Among those she specifically recognised was her co-star Emily Watson, 59, whom Buckley referred to as her “incredible friend and date tonight.” Buckley reminisced about her first encounter with Watson’s talent, recalling how seeing her performance in the 1996 film ‘Breaking the Waves’ ignited her own aspiration to pursue acting. “That’s what I want to do,” Buckley remembered thinking at the time.
She described their shared scenes in ‘Hamnet’ as moments she will “cherish for the rest of my life.” In a poignant tribute to Watson, Buckley praised her co-star’s “wild imagination” and “brave, untethered womanhood,” describing the latter as a guiding light in her career. She also quoted a piece of advice from Watson, stating, “to always go back to the well of just being human. Ground zero, babe. You’re the realest of the real.”
As Buckley’s speech unfolded, Watson was visibly moved, with the audience able to see her emotional response as the camera shifted to her. Reflecting Buckley’s heartfelt sentiments, Watson has earned her place as a respected figure in the industry, known for her profound contributions to film.
In concluding her speech, Buckley expressed her love for being part of the acting community and her aspiration to contribute meaningfully back to it. “Thank you very much. This is such a privilege,” she said, leaving the audience with the importance of collaboration and gratitude within the entertainment industry.
Buckley’s performance in ‘Hamnet’ has garnered widespread acclaim since its premiere at the Telluride Film Festival in 2025. In this film, directed by Chloé Zhao, Buckley portrays Agnes, the wife of William Shakespeare, played by Paul Mescal. The narrative, based on Maggie O’Farrell’s 2020 novel, explores the tragic aftermath of their son Hamnet’s death, a loss that profoundly influences Shakespeare’s creation of the renowned play ‘Hamlet.’
At the recent awards ceremony, Buckley faced competition from other notable nominees, including 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’. Her previous accolades include a nod at the Critics’ Choice Awards in January, where she again highlighted her admiration for Watson, whom she described as her “north star from the beginning.”
During that earlier acceptance speech, Buckley light-heartedly acknowledged Paul Mescal’s popularity, joking about his status as the ‘internet boyfriend’ as she expressed her affection for working with him. Her playful remarks resonated well with audiences and highlighted the camaraderie that often exists among actors, even amid fierce competition.
The evening culminated in Buckley also winning Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture Drama at the Golden Globes later in January. As her star continues to rise, Buckley’s warm relationships with her co-stars reaffirm the importance of collaboration in film-making.
For those who missed the live broadcast, a full account of the 32nd annual Actor Awards is available on Netflix, capturing the excitement and talent within the industry today. Buckley’s heartfelt acknowledgments serve as a reminder of the connections that build a vibrant acting community, inspiring hope for future collaborations and creative works.