At the 2026 SAG-AFTRA Actor Awards held on Sunday, March 1, Jessie Buckley delivered a moving and heartfelt acceptance speech after being named the winner for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role. The ceremony took place at the iconic Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles, drawing attention from the entertainment world. Buckley, aged 36, took to the stage amid warm applause, using the moment to pay a touching tribute to her co-star from the film Hamnet, Emily Watson, who was present alongside her at the event.
During her speech, Buckley expressed profound gratitude towards Watson, highlighting the deep personal and professional impact the veteran actress has had on her career. She recalled how watching Watson’s performance in Breaking the Waves inspired her early on, whispering to herself that this was the kind of acting she aspired to achieve. Sharing the screen with Watson in Hamnet was a milestone she promised to cherish forever, emphasizing the special connection they forged through their work together.
Expanding on her admiration, Buckley described Watson’s creativity and strength, praising her as a beacon of fearless femininity and gentle fierceness. She credited Watson’s advice to always return to the essence of being human as a guiding principle in her own craft. Calling her co-star “the realest of the real,” Buckley’s words painted a vivid picture of the respect and affection she holds for Watson, underscoring the importance of mentorship and friendship in the acting community.
Beyond the tribute, Buckley reflected on the honor of being part of the SAG-AFTRA community, expressing pride in her membership and a hopeful commitment to continue delivering meaningful and impactful performances. The competition in the category was notably strong, featuring acclaimed actresses such as Rose Byrne for If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, Kate Hudson for Song Sung Blue, Chase Infiniti for One Battle After Another, and Emma Stone for Bugonia. Buckley’s victory adds to a remarkable year for her, having already secured Golden Globe and Critics Choice awards earlier in 2026 for her role in Hamnet.
This recognition not only cements Buckley’s status as one of the leading talents in contemporary cinema but also highlights the enduring impact of collaborative artistry. Her acknowledgment of Watson’s influence serves as a reminder of the powerful bonds formed through storytelling and the shared journey of bringing complex characters to life on screen.
