Story perspectives

Jessie Buckley Wins Critics Choice, Praises Co-Star Mescal

1/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

Jessie Buckley won the Critics Choice Award for Best Actress for her role as Agnes in Hamnet, directed by Chloé Zhao.
In her acceptance speech, she praised co-star Paul Mescal as a "giant of the heart."
Buckley, who recently became a mother, said she wants to portray motherhood authentically and give Agnes a voice.
The film Hamnet is generating Oscar buzz ahead of its UK release on January 9, 2026.

History

Historical Context

The Critics Choice Awards, established in 1995, honor cinematic achievements, reflecting Hollywood's evolving narratives. Jessie Buckley's 2023 win for Best Actress parallels Janet Gaynor's historic 1929 Oscar, highlighting a shift towards complex female roles. This trend underscores a commitment to diverse storytelling, influencing future productions and award considerations, as seen in the record nominations for films like Barbie and Oppenheimer in 2024.

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Story summary

Jessie Buckley won the Critics Choice Award for Best Actress for her role as Agnes in Hamnet, directed by Chloé Zhao.
In her acceptance speech, she praised co-star Paul Mescal as a "giant of the heart."
Buckley, who recently became a mother, said she wants to portray motherhood authentically and give Agnes a voice.
The film Hamnet is generating Oscar buzz ahead of its UK release on January 9, 2026.

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