Jessie Buckley Emerges as the Leading Candidate for the Oscars 2026

Jessie Buckley has made a significant impact during the awards season with her remarkable portrayal in Hamnet, positioning her as the top contender for the Best Actress award at the 2026 Academy Awards. Following her victories at the Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild, Critics' Choice, and BAFTA Awards, the Irish actress seems poised to secure the Oscar. However, despite her strong momentum, her win is not a foregone conclusion, leading to much discussion among film enthusiasts regarding the potential hurdles she may face.

Jessie Buckley is the frontrunner for Oscars 2026

For several months, Buckley has been anticipated to clinch the Best Actress award for her role as Agnes Shakespeare in Hamnet, a historical drama directed by Chloé Zhao, adapted from Maggie O’Farrell's novel. In this film, Buckley embodies the character of William Shakespeare's wife, a woman intricately linked to nature who navigates grief, motherhood, and societal expectations in 16th-century England.

Critics have praised her performance as both emotionally powerful and richly layered. The role aligns perfectly with the traditional criteria for an Oscar-winning performance, featuring a historical backdrop, a complex character journey, and profound emotional narratives. This has led to Buckley being a favorite throughout the awards circuit.

She has achieved a rare feat by winning the Golden Globe, SAG, Critics’ Choice, and BAFTA awards, which historically indicates a strong likelihood of Oscar success. Notably, no actress has ever lost the Academy Award after winning all four of these prestigious awards. If Buckley completes this sweep at the Oscars, she would join an exclusive group of performers, the last being Renée Zellweger, who won multiple major awards for her role in Judy before taking home the Oscar in 2020. Interestingly, Buckley also had a role in Judy, making this connection even more compelling.

Jessie Buckley's Oscar campaign is spotless but...

Despite her impressive awards journey, several factors could complicate her Oscar aspirations. One unexpected controversy that has resurfaced involves a viral interview clip featuring Buckley and her Hamnet co-star Paul Mescal. During a press tour last November, both actors casually expressed their indifference towards cats, with Buckley humorously noting that her husband had to give away his cats before they moved in together.

This clip has recently gained traction on social media, with some viewers criticizing her comments. While this controversy may seem minor, online backlash can significantly influence public perception during awards season.

Additionally, Buckley faces stiff competition from other talented actresses this year, including Emma Stone for Bugonia, Renate Reinsve for Sentimental Value, and Rose Byrne and Kate Hudson for Song Sung Blue. Even if Buckley is the favorite, the Academy's final vote can yield unexpected results. For instance, Kate Blanchett won Best Actress at three of the major awards in 2023 but ultimately lost the SAG and Oscars to Michelle Yeoh for Everything Everywhere All at Once. Nevertheless, the odds are still heavily in Buckley’s favor. If she wins, she could make history as Ireland’s first Best Actress winner at the Academy Awards. However, until the results are announced on Oscar night, the outcome, despite appearing one-sided, remains uncertain.