At a Glance
- Jessie Buckley explained her viral remark that she “could drink” Paul Mescal “like water”
- The actress made the clarification after winning Best Actress in a Motion Picture Drama at the 2026 Golden Globes
- Mescal predicted drama students will study Buckley’s Hamnet performance “forever”
- Why it matters: The comment sparked widespread discussion about the nature of their creative partnership
Jessie Buckley has clarified her viral comment about Hamnet co-star Paul Mescal, explaining that she meant he is “essential” to her growth as an actor. The clarification came after both actors won major awards at the 2026 Golden Globes on January 11.
The Clarification
After accepting the award for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture Drama, Buckley addressed her previous comment made at the Critics’ Choice Awards on January 4.
“When I said I could drink Paul like water … I just wanted to clarify what I meant by that,” Buckley told reporters backstage. She explained that she “meant that he is essential to … what I discovered as an actor is possible.”
The 36-year-old actress elaborated on Mescal’s impact on her craft: “He brings you to the core of your humanity. And once you know what that is, you become like water.”
Mutual Admiration
Mescal, 29, reciprocated the praise when Hamnet won Best Motion Picture – Drama. He predicted that Buckley’s performance as Agnes, Shakespeare’s wife, would have lasting impact on future generations of actors.
“After the dust settles on all of this, like, awards chat and everything, drama school students are gonna be studying what she did” in Hamnet “forever,” Mescal said.
He continued: “She’ll be spoken about forever. One of the greatest performances we’re gonna be seeing for years. We can celebrate the film for the next couple weeks, fingers crossed, we’ll be celebrating her. But the big celebration is in 10, 15, 20 years.”
“We’re gonna be watching what she did for forever,” Mescal concluded.
The Original Comment
Buckley’s initial remark came during her acceptance speech at the Critics’ Choice Awards, where she won Best Actress. After thanking director Chloé Zhao, she turned to Mescal with effusive praise.
“Paul, I bloody love you, man. And I know loads of other women do in this room too, but tough s—,” she said, laughing. “I could drink you like water working with you every single day. You’re a giant of the heart and thank you so much for making me a little more human.”
Awards Recognition
The 2026 Golden Globes marked a significant night for both actors and the film. Buckley’s win for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture Drama added to her Critics’ Choice Award from the previous week.
During her Globes acceptance speech, Buckley acknowledged her fellow nominees in the category: Julia Roberts (After the Hunt), Jennifer Lawrence (Die My Love), Renate Reinsve (Sentimental Value), Tessa Thompson (Hedda), and Eva Victor (Sorry, Baby).
“Oh my God, the incredible women I am honored to stand beside in this category. I mean, Julia Roberts, you are like a hero to us all,” Buckley said. “Thank you. Jennifer, Renate, Eva, Tessa – God, I’d watch you anytime, anywhere. You blow my mind.”
She concluded: “This is a real, real honor. I love what I do and I love being part of this industry, thank you.”
About Hamnet
The film, directed by Chloé Zhao, presents a fictional tale of Shakespeare’s domestic life and the creation of Hamlet. Buckley plays Agnes, wife to Mescal’s William Shakespeare. The couple’s children are portrayed by Jacobi Jupe, Olivia Lynes, and Bodhi Rae Breathnach.
The movie is currently in theaters.
Key Takeaways
- Buckley’s clarification reframed her comment as praise for Mescal’s essential role in her artistic development
- Both actors won major awards for their performances in Hamnet
- Mescal predicted Buckley’s performance would influence drama students for decades
- The film has received significant critical recognition, winning both Best Motion Picture – Drama and individual acting honors
