Jessie Buckley: From Reality Contestant to Hamnet Lead

Since Hamnet’s theatrical release on November 26, 2025, Jessie Buckley’s performance as Agnes has drawn strong praise and earned her a 2026 Academy Award nomination for Actress in a Leading Role. She is a front-runner in a tight category that includes two-time winner Emma Stone for Bugonia and Rose Byrne for If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.

Buckley has already won Best Actress honors from SAG, BAFTA, the Critics’ Choice, the Golden Globes and New York Film Critics Online for her work in Chloé Zhao’s film, and an Oscar would be the cherry on top; Hamnet is streaming on Peacock now. Buckley first came to public attention as an 18-year-old runner-up on the British talent show I’ll Do Anything.

United Kingdom

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