Jessie Buckley Wins Best Actress for ‘Hamnet’ as Michael B. Jordan Takes Best Actor at 98th Oscars

Los Angeles, March 2026: Actor Jessie Buckley won the Academy Award for Best Actress at the 98th edition of the Academy Awards for her performance in the historical drama Hamnet. The honour marked her first Oscar victory in a leading category and underscored her rising stature as one of the most versatile actors of her generation.

In the film, Buckley portrays Agnes Shakespeare, the wife of the legendary playwright William Shakespeare. The story centres on the emotional aftermath of the death of their son and explores themes of grief, resilience, and family bonds. Buckley’s performance required remarkable emotional restraint, as much of the narrative focuses on Agnes’ internal struggle and quiet strength.

Critics widely praised her portrayal for its subtlety and emotional intensity. Rather than relying on overt dramatics, Buckley delivered a nuanced performance that captured the character’s deep sorrow and endurance. Reviewers noted that the film’s emotional core rested heavily on her ability to convey complex feelings through minimal dialogue and expressive presence.

The film itself is based on the bestselling novel by Maggie O’Farrell and delves into the historical and emotional context surrounding Shakespeare’s family life. Prior to this win, Buckley had already earned critical acclaim for her performances in films such as The Lost Daughter and Women Talking. Her Oscar victory for “Hamnet” is widely seen as a defining moment in her career.

Meanwhile, Michael B. Jordan won the Oscar for Best Actor for his performance in Sinners. The award marked the first Academy Award of Jordan’s career after years of acclaimed performances across both independent cinema and major Hollywood productions.

In “Sinners,” Jordan plays a complex protagonist grappling with moral conflict and the search for redemption. Critics highlighted the emotional depth and physical intensity of his performance, noting that he carried much of the film’s dramatic weight. His portrayal combined psychological nuance with a commanding screen presence, helping the film emerge as one of the most talked-about productions of the awards season.

The 98th Academy Awards ceremony took place at the Dolby Theatre and was hosted by late-night television personality Conan O’Brien, who also hosted the ceremony the previous year. The event featured several major nominations for “Sinners,” directed by Ryan Coogler, which led the awards race with 16 nominations across major categories including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor.

The ceremony also included the traditional “In Memoriam” segment, which paid tribute to influential figures from the global film industry who passed away in the past year. Among those remembered were acclaimed actors Diane Keaton, Robert Duvall, and Robert Redford, each of whom made significant contributions to American cinema over several decades.

The tribute also honoured actor and comedian Catherine O’Hara for her memorable work across film and television. Beyond performers, the montage recognised influential figures from other creative fields connected to cinema, including legendary fashion designer Giorgio Armani, whose designs have long been associated with Hollywood and red-carpet culture.

The “In Memoriam” segment remains a long-standing tradition of the Academy Awards, offering a moment of reflection during the ceremony to recognise artists, technicians, and industry pioneers whose work shaped the global film industry. Through archival footage and music, the tribute highlighted their artistic contributions and lasting legacy.

This year’s star-studded ceremony also featured actor-producer Priyanka Chopra as one of the presenters, adding to the global appeal of Hollywood’s biggest night.