Barry Keoghan praises Jessie Buckley after emotional Oscar win for 'Hamnet'

Irish actor Barry Keoghan has celebrated fellow Irish star Jessie Buckley after her major win at the 2026 Oscars.

Buckley, 36, took home the Best Actress award for her powerful portrayal of Agnes Shakespeare in Hamnet, a historical drama based on Maggie O'Farrell’s 2020 novel of the same name. 

The film explores the emotional aftermath of the death of William Shakespeare’s son, Hamnet.

Speaking with BBC reporter Colin Paterson on the Vanity Fair Oscars red carpet, Keoghan shared a heartfelt message for Buckley. 

“What’s up Jessie, well done, bring it home,” he said, adding, “I’m proud, I’m really, really proud. Amazing.”

The Batman actor also praised the growing global success of Irish performers, calling them “true storytellers.”

“You read all the names that have been nominated, and for such a small island, it’s incredible,” Keoghan said.

Reflecting on Buckley’s performance, the actor revealed that the film deeply moved him when he first watched it at the premiere. 

“I am massively, massively proud of Jessie,” he said. “I went to see Hamnet at the premiere and I couldn’t stop crying.”

Keoghan admitted the emotional story resonated with him on a personal level. 

“When it was finished I had to rush out because I couldn’t stop thinking of my little boy. Everyone was sobbing,” he confessed.

The film stars Paul Mescal as William Shakespeare and Noah Jupe as the young Hamnet. 

The story centers on the playwright and his wife Agnes as they grapple with grief following their son’s death.

Buckley’s win came in a competitive Best Actress category that included Kate Hudson for Song Sung Blue, Emma Stone for Bugonia, Renate Reinsve for Sentimental Value, and Rose Byrne for If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.