> At a Glance
> – Jessie Buckley won Best Actress at the 2026 Critics’ Choice Awards for her role in Hamnet
> – Buckley plays Agnes, William Shakespeare’s wife, in a fictionalized account of the family’s life
> – Directed by Chloé Zhao, Hamnet also stars Paul Mescal as Shakespeare
> – Why it matters: Buckley’s emotional praise for Zhao highlights the director’s profound artistic influence and the film’s critical acclaim
Jessie Buckley took home the Best Actress trophy at the 2026 Critics’ Choice Awards for her performance in Hamnet, a film directed by Chloé Zhao. Backstage, Buckley continued to celebrate Zhao’s artistic impact on her career.
Onstage and Offstage Praise
During her acceptance speech on January 4, Buckley told Zhao:
> “You have reminded me of the power of telling a story and the journey that you can go on to touch the deepest parts of what it is to be alive.”
In the press room, she expanded on her admiration:
> “Chloé Zhao has reminded me what it is to be an artist, as an actress.”
A Profound Collaboration
Buckley described working with Zhao as a transformative experience:
- She was invited to step into Zhao’s world “as an artist”
- The process became “one of the most profound and special experiences” of her life
- Buckley called Zhao “a truly feminine, brilliant leader”
She also noted how actors begin by watching and learning, gradually building their own craft. With Zhao, that craft evolved into a deeply personal collaboration.
Spotlight on Zhao’s Legacy
Chloé Zhao, who previously won the Best Director Oscar for Nomadland, made history in 2021 as:
- The first Asian woman to win the Best Director Oscar
- One of only three women to ever win in that category
Key Takeaways
- Jessie Buckley won Best Actress for her role as Agnes in Hamnet
- The film is a fictional retelling of Shakespeare’s family life and the creation of Hamlet
- Buckley credits Zhao with reigniting her artistic passion
- Hamnet is currently in select theaters
Buckley’s win and heartfelt words underscore the powerful creative bond between director and actor, and Zhao’s growing influence in cinema.
