Jessie Buckley’s Family Head to Oscars 2024 to Support Nominee | Hamnet
The Buckley family is en route to Los Angeles this week as Jessie Buckley prepares for a potentially career-defining moment: the Academy Awards. Nominated for Best Actress for her emotionally raw performance in Hamnet, Buckley’s journey to this point has been marked by critical acclaim, a string of precursor awards, and the unwavering support of her family.
Buckley’s mother, Marina, speaking at Dublin Airport before departing for the US, described the family’s excitement and emotion. “We’re just so excited and so emotional as we head off to support our beautiful girl,” she said. Marina emphasized the film’s universal resonance, noting, “This film struck a chord with people all over the world as of the story it tells.”
The role of Agnes, William Shakespeare’s wife, in Hamnet has been lauded for its depth and vulnerability. Buckley’s portrayal captures the grief of a mother losing a child, a theme that resonates particularly strongly given the timing of the Oscars – coinciding with Mother’s Day. “She did a magnificent job, portraying a mother’s story. And how significant We see that the Oscars are on on Mother’s Day,” Marina Buckley added. The film, directed by Chloé Zhao, offers a fresh perspective on the Shakespeare narrative, centering the experiences of the women surrounding the famed playwright.
Buckley’s success is particularly notable given her unconventional path to Hollywood prominence. As reported by The Independent, she initially gained recognition through a reality television competition judged by Andrew Lloyd Webber, a far cry from the critically acclaimed roles she now embodies. This trajectory sets her apart in an industry often dominated by pre-packaged stars and franchise commitments.
Her mother’s pride extends beyond awards and accolades. “Never would you expect that you’d be spending Mother’s Day at the Oscars in LA, but to be there as a mom and to look up at your precious and beautiful little girl, well, there’s nothing better than that,” Marina said. She also underscored the importance of Buckley remaining true to herself amidst the whirlwind of awards season. “I will be saying to her, ‘Whatever happens, you are still my Jessie.’”
The pressure of the awards season is acknowledged by Buckley’s father, Tim, who likened the experience to “the pre-match tension in many ways.” However, he expressed confidence and national support for his daughter. “It’s going to be a wonderful occasion, and we have our fingers crossed,” he said. “Either way, she has done herself proud, and all the people in the country are behind her.” He also took the opportunity to acknowledge those who have supported Buckley throughout her career.
Younger sister Lily echoed the sentiment of familial pride, describing the experience as “surreal.” “You don’t really imagine going to these things,” she said. “It’s such a nice opportunity to get reunited as a family. It’s a proud moment. As a sister, she’s a big idol.”
Buckley’s recent wins at the Critics Choice Awards and Golden Globes, as highlighted by The Hollywood Reporter, have positioned her as the frontrunner for the Best Actress Oscar. This momentum, coupled with her win at the 2026 Actor Awards, suggests a strong likelihood of success at the Academy Awards. The Actor Awards win, specifically, is seen as particularly significant, representing recognition from her peers within SAG-AFTRA.
The role in Hamnet has clearly been transformative for Buckley. According to NPR, she found the film deeply connected to her own evolving identity as a mother, discovering she was pregnant shortly after filming wrapped and later giving birth to her first child. She has spoken about the film’s power to elevate the voices of women often relegated to the margins of historical narratives.
The 98th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O’Brien, will be broadcast live on RTÉ One in Ireland at on , with a repeat broadcast on RTÉ2 the following evening at .
Buckley’s performance in Hamnet isn’t just a showcase of her acting talent; it’s a testament to her commitment to choosing roles that challenge and resonate on a deeply human level. Her journey from reality television to Oscar contender is a compelling narrative of artistic integrity and the power of authentic storytelling. Whether she wins on Sunday or not, Jessie Buckley has already cemented her place as a significant force in contemporary cinema.