Jessie Buckley, the Killarney-born actress whose talent has captivated audiences on both sides of the Atlantic, has claimed the Critics Choice Award for Best Actress for her stunning performance in HAMNET, the historical drama that has emerged as one of the season’s most emotionally resonant films. The twenty-nine-year-old collected her prize at the thirty-first annual Critics Choice Awards ceremony in Santa Monica, California, where comedian Chelsea Handler presided over an evening that celebrated the year’s finest achievements in cinema.
Buckley’s triumph represents a significant milestone in a career that has consistently demonstrated her ability to inhabit complex characters with remarkable depth and authenticity. Her acceptance speech revealed the profound impact that working on HAMNET had on her artistic journey, as she paid heartfelt tribute to director Chloé Zhao, whose vision brought Maggie O’Farrell’s acclaimed novel to cinematic life. “Chloe Zhao, you have reminded me of the power of telling a story and the journey that you can go on to touch the deepest parts of what it is to be alive, thank you,”
Buckley told the assembled audience, her words underscoring the emotional intensity of the filmmaking experience. She also acknowledged her co-stars, including Irish actor Paul Mescal and the distinguished Emily Watson, with characteristic warmth and humor. “Paul, I bloody love you man. And I know loads of other women do in this room too, but tough shit,” she said, drawing laughter from the crowd while expressing genuine affection for her colleague.
HAMNET explores one of the most devastating chapters in William Shakespeare’s life, centering on the playwright and his wife Agnes as they navigate the unbearable grief that follows the death of their eleven-year-old son. The film has been praised for its intimate portrayal of parental loss and its sensitive exploration of how tragedy shaped one of history’s greatest writers, with Buckley’s performance anchoring the narrative with raw emotional power that critics have described as unforgettable.
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 🔗︎
