From a teenage hopeful on a BBC talent show to the cusp of Academy Award glory, Jessie Buckley’s journey reads like something from the movies themselves. Eighteen years ago, she stood on the stage of I’D DO ANYTHING, a West End competition show, trying to make her mark. Now, with a Golden Globe for best actress in a drama clutched in her hands for her searing portrayal of William Shakespeare’s wife in HAMNET, she stands poised to etch her name into Oscar history.
The film, which also claimed best film at the Golden Globes and hit UK cinemas this Friday, has positioned Buckley as a hot favourite for Academy Award recognition. Her previous nomination in 2022 for THE LOST DAUGHTER proved she belonged in elite company, but this feels different, more assured, more inevitable. If she succeeds, she’ll become only the fifth Irish actor to claim that famous gold statuette, joining the rarefied company of Barry Fitzgerald, Brenda Fricker, Daniel Day Lewis, and Cillian Murphy. The island of Ireland could celebrate a remarkable double triumph too, as Northern Ireland-born Maggie O’Farrell, whose award-winning novel provided the source material, co-wrote the screenplay and may find herself in line for her own Oscar recognition.
Standing before the Golden Globes audience, Buckley spoke with genuine warmth about the honor of working in this industry, but what struck deepest was her reflection on the production itself. Here was a film about perhaps the most famous Brit who ever lived, yet it became something gloriously international, a creative collision of cultures with a Chinese director, Irish actors including her co-star Paul Mescal who played Shakespeare himself, a mostly Polish crew, and their British family. Mescal, nominated for best supporting actor, ultimately lost to Stellan Skarsgård, but his presence alongside Buckley underscored the Irish talent now commanding attention on the world stage.
Steven Spielberg, who co-produced HAMNET, told the ceremony he loved O’Farrell’s book, lending his considerable weight to a project that has captured imaginations on both sides of the Atlantic. With the Golden Globes serving as a crucial bellwether less than a fortnight before the Academy Award nominations land on January 22, Buckley’s trajectory from reality television contestant to Oscar frontrunner feels like a vindication of talent, persistence, and the long game. This could indeed be the year she writes her name into history.
Aisling Bea is going to Mars 🚀
The Irish actress and BAFTA TV winner has joined the cast of STARMAN, starring alongside Brendan Fraser and Jeff Daniels, playing defiant Irish photographer Julia Hanley opposite Fraser`s stranded astronaut.
Full details via 🔗︎ in bio!
Irish director Lenny Abrahamson (NORMAL PEOPLE, ROOM) is set to direct YOU ARE HERE.
The eight-part screen adaptation of David Nicholls` best-selling novel will star Claire Foy (THE CROWN) and Matthew MacFayden (SUCCESSION)
Full details via link in bio 🔗︎
Barry Keoghan heads back into Irish indie territory with LEMONADE 🍋
First-look images and details have landed for Kim Bartley`s narrative feature debut, a story about first loves, second chances, and the ties that make a family.
Full preview via link in bio 🔗︎
We`ve lost a national treasure 💔
Oscar-winning singer-songwriter, Glen Hansard, has died as a result of a motorcycle accident in Dublin this morning.
THE COMMITMENTS and ONCE star leaves behind a monumental cultural legacy on screen and stage.
Full tribute via link in bio 🔗︎
Brothers. Betrayal. Drag queens.
STARLINGS, the debut novel from RUSSELL TOVEY (THE NIGHT MANAGER, ANGELS IN AMERICA), has landed as an Audible original — and Andrew Scott has lent his voice to this amazing, brave work.
Listen now via link in bio 🔗︎
Domhnall Gleeson`s acting range is simply unreal.
The STAR WARS and HARRY POTTER star talks his new Peacock mockumentary hit THE PAPER, upcoming work in Werner Herzog`s BUCKING FASTARDS and the current Sundance breakout THE INCOMER.
Watch now via link in bio 🔗︎
Andrew Scott is heading to @tiff_net!
ELSINORE, Scott`s biographical drama about legendary actor Ian Charleson, has landed a Special Presentations slot at TIFF 2026, starring alongside Olivia Coleman.
Full details via link in bio 🔗︎
Who loves truly scary horror?
Ahead of its release, Irish director Damian McCarthy (hows_themovie_goin) talks the art of scaring the bejesus out of his audiences.
New interview via 🔗︎ in bio.
Saoirse Ronan is officially a filmmaker.
Her directorial debut PAPER PLANE — written by Ronan herself and starring Martha Malone, Clare Dunne, and Tim Creed — heads to Venice this September, competing for the Orizzonti Award for Best Short Film.
More at irishfilmtv.com 🔗︎
