Irish Actress Jessie Buckley Makes History with BAFTA Win

The 22nd of February marked a momentous occasion for Irish cinema as Jessie Buckley clinched the prestigious BAFTA award for Best Actress at the annual ceremony held in London. Buckley, recognized for her outstanding portrayal of Agnes, the wife of William Shakespeare, in the film "Hamnet," has made her country proud with this remarkable achievement.

Endorsements from Political Leaders

The Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, expressed his pride towards Buckley's win, posting on social media: "Congratulations Jessie Buckley on a richly deserved Best Actress BAFTA for your performance in Hamnet." He further emphasized the significance of her achievement, noting, "It is incredibly positive to see Irish talent continuing to shine on the global stage."

Deputy leader Simon Harris also hailed Buckley's win as a historic moment, stating, "History made! Jessie wins the BAFTA for Best Actress, a first for Ireland!" Both leaders acknowledged the strides made by Irish artists in the film industry, with Harris remarking that the recognition of Paul Mescal, who received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor, also underscores the abundance of talent emerging from the country.

Community Support and Celebrations

The excitement surrounding Buckley's victory transcended politics, as her former mentors and local communities rallied to celebrate her accomplishments. Marie Moloney from Killarney Musical Society, where Buckley honed her skills at a young age, reflected on the pride felt by her community: "She’s done her family proud, she’s done her town proud, and she’s done her country very proud," highlighting the exceptional journey of Buckley from a child in the chorus to a celebrated actress.

Mary Lou McDonald, the leader of Sinn Féin, joined the chorus of support, expressing her heartfelt congratulations: "A sublime talent who has made Ireland so incredibly proud." The communal pride is palpable as the nation rejoices in Buckley’s historic win, signaling a bright future for Irish talent on the global stage.