Barry Keoghan Praises Jessie Buckley’s ‘Hamnet’ Performance Ahead of Oscars
Barry Keoghan’s admiration for Jessie Buckley’s performance in Hamnet runs deep. Ahead of this weekend’s Academy Awards, where Buckley is nominated for Best Actress, Keoghan revealed he was moved to tears while watching the Chloé Zhao-directed drama. The revelation, shared during an interview on RTÉ Radio 1, underscores the film’s emotional resonance and Buckley’s growing stature as a leading actress.
Keoghan, himself an Oscar nominee for his role in The Banshees of Inisherin in 2023, spoke with warmth about Buckley’s talent and the deserved recognition she’s receiving. “She’s lovely, Jessie, and she deserves it. I mean, she is incredible,” he said, acknowledging the pressure and excitement that accompany an Oscar nomination. His comments aren’t simply polite industry support; they come from a fellow actor who understands the weight of awards season and the vulnerability required to deliver a truly impactful performance.
The connection between Keoghan and Buckley extends beyond professional respect. He recounted being invited by Paul Mescal, Buckley’s co-star in Hamnet, to a screening of the film. “I couldn’t stop crying watching that movie,” Keoghan confessed, adding that the experience was particularly poignant after meeting Mescal’s parents and witnessing their support for their son’s work. This detail adds a layer of intimacy to his praise, suggesting a genuine emotional response to the film’s exploration of grief and family.
Hamnet, adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s bestselling novel, offers a fictionalized account of the life of William Shakespeare’s son and the profound loss that shaped his family. While Shakespeare is a central figure historically, the film centers on Agnes Shakespeare (played by Buckley) and the devastating impact of Hamnet’s death. Buckley’s portrayal of Agnes has been a critical highlight throughout awards season, and Keoghan’s reaction confirms the power of her performance.
Keoghan also extended praise to director Chloé Zhao, with whom he previously collaborated on Marvel’s Eternals. He described Hamnet as “a stunning film” and lauded Zhao’s vision. This speaks to a broader pattern of Keoghan championing his collaborators, highlighting the importance of a strong creative environment.
Beyond Hamnet, Keoghan provided updates on several other projects, including Sam Mendes’ upcoming four-film series about The Beatles. He’s set to play Ringo Starr alongside Paul Mescal, Harris Dickinson, and Joseph Quinn. Keoghan described the experience as “brilliant” and expressed his admiration for Mendes’ direction and the collaborative spirit among the cast. “The four lads…we’re just like brothers, you know,” he said, emphasizing the close bond that has formed during production. He noted the comfort level within the group, suggesting a supportive and relaxed atmosphere on set.
The camaraderie on the Beatles project is particularly noteworthy, given the high profile of the film and the pressure associated with portraying such iconic figures. Keoghan’s description of the cast’s ability to “sit in silence” and still perceive comfortable with one another suggests a level of trust and respect that will likely translate to a compelling on-screen dynamic.
Keoghan is also currently starring in Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, the feature continuation of Steven Knight’s acclaimed television series. He plays Duke Shelby opposite Cillian Murphy’s Tommy Shelby, and the film follows Tommy as he’s drawn back into a dangerous situation in Birmingham. While details about his role are still emerging, his involvement in such a high-profile project further solidifies his position as one of the most sought-after actors working today.
Interestingly, Keoghan drew a comparison between Buckley and Patricia Arquette, another actress he deeply admires. He described Buckley as possessing an “energy that’s sort of unpredictable” and a lack of rigid structure in her approach to acting. This observation speaks to Buckley’s willingness to take risks and embrace vulnerability in her performances, qualities that clearly resonate with Keoghan.
As the Academy Awards approach, the spotlight is firmly on Jessie Buckley and her performance in Hamnet. Barry Keoghan’s heartfelt praise serves as a powerful endorsement, not only of Buckley’s talent but also of the film’s ability to connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level. It’s a reminder that, amidst the spectacle of awards season, the most impactful stories are often those that explore the universal themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of the human spirit.