At the 2026 SAG-AFTRA Actor Awards held on March 1 at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles, 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 36-year-old Irish actress, who has been widely praised for her portrayal in the film Hamnet, took the opportunity to pay a special tribute to her co-star and close friend, Emily Watson, who was present alongside her at the event.
As Buckley stepped onto the stage to a warm and enthusiastic round of applause, she expressed profound gratitude towards Watson, highlighting the significant influence the veteran actress has had on her career and artistic outlook. She recalled how watching Watson’s performance in the film Breaking the Waves inspired her early on, whispering to herself that this was the kind of work she aspired to do. Buckley described the experience of sharing scenes with Watson in Hamnet as something she will treasure forever, emphasizing the deep connection they formed during the project.
Continuing her tribute, Buckley praised Watson’s imaginative spirit and fearless approach to her craft, describing her as a beacon of strength and authenticity. She spoke warmly about the wisdom Watson imparts, particularly the advice to return to the essence of simply being human—a grounding principle that Buckley holds dear in her own artistic journey. She affectionately called Watson “the realest of the real,” underscoring the genuine bond between the two actresses.
Beyond the personal acknowledgments, Buckley reflected on the honor of being part of the SAG-AFTRA community, expressing pride in her membership and a commitment to continue contributing meaningful and impactful performances to the world of acting. The competition in her category was notably fierce, featuring acclaimed nominees 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. This recognition further cements Buckley’s rising status in the industry.
It is worth noting that this award adds to an impressive list of accolades Buckley has received for her role in Hamnet. Earlier in the year, she secured both the Golden Globe and Critics Choice awards, affirming her performance as one of the most compelling and celebrated of the year. The 2026 SAG-AFTRA Actor Awards thus mark another milestone in what is shaping up to be a remarkable chapter in Buckley’s career.
