JESSIE BUCKLEY WAS named best actress at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards last night, setting the pace for the upcoming awards season.

The awards honour the year’s best in film, streaming and television as voted on by critics and journalists, and are seen as an early indicator in the Oscar race.

Buckley, who is from Killarney, collected the award for best actress for the historical drama Hamnet.

The film explores the relationship between William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes Hathaway – historically known as Anne – in the aftermath of their 11-year-old son’s death.

During her speech she thanked director Chloe Zhao and co-stars Paul Mescal and Emily Watson, who she called her “north star”.

“Chloe 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, thank you,” she said.

“Paul, I bloody love you man. And I know loads of other women do in this room too, but tough shit.

“I could drink you like water, working with you every single day. You’re a giant of the heart and thank you so much for making me a little bit more human.”

Buckley has previously had praised turns in films including The Lost Daughter and the tv show Chernobyl. 

this was super sweet. Jessie Buckley made Paul Mescal cry during her Best Actress speech at the Critics' Choice Awards

"I bloody love you, man, and I know loads of other women do in this room too, but tough shit! I could drink you like water" pic.twitter.com/IjQWe8IsRe

— Spencer Althouse (@SpencerAlthouse) January 5, 2026

One Battle After Another clinched best picture and director Paul Thomas Anderson took home best director.

American horror film Sinners won four categories including best casting and best ensemble, while Timothee Chalamet won best actor for his role as table tennis champion Marty Supreme.

Netflix drama Adolescence won four awards on the night. 

The 16-year-old star Owen Cooper took home the prize for best supporting actor in a limited series, while his co-stars Stephen Graham and Erin Doherty were awarded best actor in a limited series and best supporting actress in a limited series, respectively.

The series, which was among the most-watched titles of 2025 on Netflix, follows a 13-year-old boy arrested for the murder of a classmate.

Cooper thanked his co-stars, collaborators and family during a heartfelt acceptance speech.

“The past year has been a complete whirlwind for me and my family. Honestly, it’s changed our lives forever and we’re forever grateful,” he said.

“Receiving this award means more to me than I can put even into words, to be standing here with you all tonight is something that I’ll never forget.”

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy picked up the award for best movie made for television.