At the 98th Academy Awards ceremony held on March 15 in Los Angeles, Irish actress Jessie Buckley delivered a memorable acceptance speech after winning the coveted Best Actress award. Her heartfelt and witty remarks resonated deeply with the audience as she celebrated both her professional achievement and her personal life. Buckley’s win was for her compelling portrayal of Agnes, the wife of William Shakespeare, in the film adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s novel Hamnet, directed by Chloé Zhao.
During her speech, Buckley took a moment to express profound gratitude to the many individuals who supported her throughout the making of the film. However, it was her affectionate tribute to her husband, Freddie, and their young daughter that truly captured the hearts of those watching. With a mix of humor and emotion, she told Freddie, “You, Fred. I love you, man. I love you. You’re the most incredible dad. You’re my best friend and I want to have 20,000 more babies with you! I do, I do.” This playful yet sincere declaration highlighted the strong bond they share as partners and parents.
She also spoke tenderly about her eight-month-old daughter, Isla, who was likely unaware of the significance of the moment. Buckley said, “And Isla, my little girl who is eight months who is absolutely no idea what’s going on and is probably dreaming of milk, but this is kind of a big deal, and I love you and I love being your mom and I can’t wait to discover life beside you.” These words revealed the joy and excitement she feels in embracing motherhood alongside her flourishing acting career.
Jessie Buckley and Freddie, who prefers to keep a low profile away from the public eye, tied the knot in 2023. Their relationship blossomed after a blind date in London, arranged by music executive Marc Robinson, which led to a strong partnership both personally and professionally. The couple welcomed their first child in the fall of 2025, marking a new chapter in their lives that Buckley openly celebrates.
Her award-winning role in Hamnet was widely praised for its emotional depth and authenticity, bringing to life the story of Shakespeare’s family with nuance and sensitivity. The film itself, directed by Chloé Zhao, received critical acclaim for its poetic storytelling and powerful performances. Buckley’s victory at the Oscars was especially notable given the strong competition in the Best Actress category, which included Rose Byrne for If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, Kate Hudson for Song Sung Blue, Renate Reinsve for Sentimental Value, and Emma Stone for Bugonia.
Overall, Jessie Buckley’s Oscar acceptance speech was a perfect blend of humor, love, and gratitude, reflecting both her dedication to her craft and her cherished role as a wife and mother. Her candid and warm remarks left a lasting impression on the audience, underscoring the personal stories behind the glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s biggest night.
