Jessie Buckley expressed her emotional gratitude upon receiving an award for her role as Anne Hathaway in the acclaimed production of Hamnet. The ceremony, which took place recently, recognized her outstanding performance and also highlighted her nominations for both an Oscar and a BAFTA. In her acceptance speech, she emphasized the significance of storytelling, stating, “It’s really such an honour to come home and share this with you, mostly because growing up in Ireland, the very nature of storytelling, of music, of art, is a way of life, it is a way of community.”
Buckley took a moment to acknowledge her co-star, Paul Mescal, who portrayed William Shakespeare in Hamnet. Mescal was awarded for Best Supporting Actor in a Film but was absent from the ceremony. The film itself garnered accolades beyond Buckley’s performance, winning awards for International Film and Film Script.
Highlights from the Ceremony
Another standout at the awards was Trespasses, a Channel 4 drama set in 1970s Northern Ireland. It won multiple awards, including Best Drama Script, as well as accolades for Hair & Makeup and Best Lead Actress in a Drama. Lola Petticrew, who stars as Cushla, a young Catholic teacher, dedicated her award to her late uncle, Gerard. She reflected on her upbringing, stating, “I’m under no illusion that a lot of the reason that I am here is because of luck,” and she urged attention to the hardships faced by children in West Belfast, where one in three live in poverty.
The filmmakers behind Christy, a coming-of-age story about two estranged brothers in Cork navigating the care system, also made a significant impact at the event. The film, nominated in 14 categories, took home several major awards, including Best Film, Best Casting, Best Editing, and Best Director for Brendan Canty. Canty highlighted the importance of the awards coinciding with 2026 Care Day, a day that raises awareness about the experiences of children in care, urging the government to enhance support for those in the system.
Notable Recognitions and Future Aspirations
Cork’s own Eanna Hardwicke won the award for Best Actor in a Lead Role for his performance as Roy Keane in Saipan. Unable to attend the event, his co-star Steve Coogan accepted the trophy on his behalf. Meanwhile, Ciaran Hinds was honored with the Irish Academy’s lifetime achievement award for his contributions to both the Irish and international screen industries. In his acceptance speech, he remarked on the journey in the industry, expressing gratitude for the talented individuals he has collaborated with over the years.
Finally, rising star Louisa Harland, known for her role in Derry Girls, expressed her admiration for the industry, stating, “I feel so lucky to be a part of this industry, especially in Ireland, it means the world.” The evening not only celebrated individual achievements but also highlighted the collective effort to uplift underrepresented voices and stories within the arts.
