Jessie Buckley has won the BAFTA for Leading Actress, becoming the first Irish women to win in the category.

She won the award for her role as William Shakespeare's wife, Agnes, in 'Hamnet'.

The film, based on Maggie O'Farrell's bestselling novel, also won the award for 'Outstanding British Film'.

Jessie Buckley attends the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards held at The Royal Festival Hall. London, UK. 22nd Feb, 2026.(Credit Image: © Lounis Tiar/SOPA Images via ZUMA Press Wire)

The 36-year-old Kerry native, was presented with her award at the ceremony in London on Sunday night by Irish actor Cillian Murphy.

" This is really such an incredible honor and, as a little girl, I never in a million years thought I'd be allowed to make a film - well, here I am.

"I'd like to share this with my daughter, who's been with me since she was six weeks old on the road with this. It's the best role of my life being your mom and I can.

"I promise, to continue to be disobedient, so that you can belong to a world in all your mad complex wildness as a young woman."

Her Hamnet co-star, Paul Mescal, who played William Shakespeare,  lost out to Sean Penn for the Supporting Actor award.

Irish visual effects artist Richard Baneham, won for his work on Avatar: Fire and Ash - his third BAFTA win.