Former Ursuline Convent Thurles student Ms Jessie Buckley wins Lead Actress (Film) at 2026 IFTA Awards for Hamnet.
As was expected, former Ursuline Convent Thurles secondary school student Ms Jessie Buckley has won the Irish Film & Television Academy Award for Lead Actress (Film), honoured for her performance as William Shakespeare’s wife in Hamnet.
Accepting the award at the ceremony in Dublin, Ms Buckley described the past year as a “roller-coaster” and said it was an honour to “come home” to celebrate with the Irish creative community, reflecting on how storytelling, music and art shaped her upbringing.
In her remarks, she also paid tribute to her co-star Mr Paul Mescal, who portrays Shakespeare in the film, adding that she loves him.
Mr Mescal was named Supporting Actor (Film) for Hamnet , but was not present to collect the award.
Hamnet was among the night’s standout winners, also receiving the International Film award and Script (Film) honour and shared between Ms Maggie O’Farrell and Ns Chloé Zhao.
Ms Buckley, who formerly attended the Ursuline Secondary School here in Thurles, has also been recognised during the current awards season for her work in Hamnet, including major international nominations.
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