Jessie Buckley claimed the Golden Globe for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture Drama on January 11, 2026, and used her speech to praise fellow nominee Julia Roberts and the entire category.
At a Glance
- Jessie Buckley won for Hamnet at the 83rd annual Golden Globes
- She called Julia Roberts “a hero to us all” during her acceptance
- The category also featured Jennifer Lawrence, Renate Reinsve, Tessa Thompson, and Eva Victor
- Why it matters: The win spotlights Buckley’s acclaimed turn as Agnes Shakespeare and highlights a fiercely competitive Best Actress field
Buckley, 36, triumphed for her portrayal of Agnes, wife to William Shakespeare, in Chloé Zhao’s adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s 2020 novel. The film imagines how the death of their son Hamnet inspires Shakespeare to write Hamlet.
The Acceptance Speech
Taking the stage at the Beverly Hilton, Buckley gushed:
> “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. Thank you. Jennifer, Renate, Eva, Tessa-God, I’d watch you anytime, anywhere. You blow my mind.”
She ended with a lighter note: “My husband, he’s really been enjoying the free canapés and cocktails, so thank you so much for having us along. This is a real, real honor. I love what I do and I love being part of this industry, thank you.”
The Nominees She Beat
- Jennifer Lawrence – Die My Love as Grace, a new mom spiraling into depression in rural Montana. The role marks Lawrence’s sixth Globe nod; she has previously won three.
- Renate Reinsve – Sentimental Value as Nora, an actress struggling with mental health when her estranged father offers her a comeback role.
- Julia Roberts – After the Hunt as Alma Imhoff, a professor who doubts her student’s assault claim. The part earned Roberts her eleventh Globe nomination.
- Tessa Thompson – Hedda as Hedda Gabler, a newlywed trapped in a loveless marriage and drawn to a past flame.
- Eva Victor – Sorry, Baby as Agnes, a grad student healing after assault by her professor. Victor also wrote and directed the feature, inspired by her own experience.
Critical Acclaim for Hamnet
Since its Telluride 2025 debut, Buckley’s performance has garnered steady praise. Earlier this month she also won Best Actress at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards, where she said:
> “To be able to get to understand motherhood from this woman’s point of view, from Agnes’ point of view… give her a voice was such a privilege.”
Roberts’ Reaction
Cameras caught Roberts smiling and clapping in the audience as Buckley spoke. The two actresses shared a brief hug backstage, News Of Losangeles reported.
What’s Next
Buckley is expected to be a strong contender throughout the ongoing awards season. Meanwhile, Roberts continues filming After the Hunt press tour, and Lawrence prepares for the March release of Die My Love in select theaters.
The 83rd annual Golden Globe Awards, held at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, aired live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+.
Key Takeaways
- Jessie Buckley’s emotional speech celebrated the power of female solidarity in a stacked category
- Hamnet cements its awards momentum following Buckley’s back-to-back wins
- Julia Roberts remains a beloved figure among peers, even when competing
