Jessie Buckley’s performance in the historical drama Hamnet has earned her a major accolade: Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role at the 2026 Actor Awards, formerly known as the SAG Awards. The win, announced Sunday, March 1, at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles, positions Buckley as a frontrunner as awards season continues, with the Academy Awards just two weeks away. The awards, voted on by members of the SAG-AFTRA actors’ union, are closely watched as a key indicator of Oscar success, given that actors comprise the largest voting bloc within the Academy.
Buckley’s acceptance speech was notably emotional, expressing deep gratitude for the impact others have had on her career. “I have been categorically changed by so many people in this room and beyond,” she said, according to reports from the ceremony. She continued, “To get to function with my heart in my hand and stand beside my brilliant, daring friends who display me their heart, I indicate, what a way to spend a life.” The award recognizes Buckley’s portrayal of Agnes, the wife of William Shakespeare, in a story centered around the death of their son, Hamnet.
A Tribute to Emily Watson
A particularly touching moment of Buckley’s speech came when she paid tribute to her Hamnet co-star, Emily Watson. “I’d like to say a special thank you to my incredible friend and date tonight, Emily Watson,” Buckley shared. She recounted how Watson’s performance in the 1996 film Breaking the Waves inspired her own aspirations as an actor. “Breaking the Waves made me whisper to myself, ‘That’s what I wish to do,’ and to share those scenes with you in Hamnet, I will cherish that for the rest of my life,” Buckley said. She described Watson’s influence, praising her “wild imagination, brave untethered womanhood, and ferocious gentleness” as a guiding light, adding, “You’re the realest of the real. I hope I can continue to offer something meaningful back.”
Sinners Takes Top Ensemble Prize
While Buckley’s individual win was a highlight, the evening also celebrated ensemble work. The Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture award went to Sinners, a win that further fuels its momentum in the Oscar race. Accepting the award on behalf of the cast, Delroy Lindo spoke to the collaborative spirit of the film, stating, “We brought our hearts, we brought our souls, we brought our spirits to this endeavour.”
Michael B. Jordan, who starred in Sinners, also took home an individual award, winning Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role. He expressed his gratitude, saying, “I’m so honoured and privileged to be nominated in categories with people and actors and humans that I love… This ride has been unbelievable.”
Other Honorees and a Posthumous Recognition
The 32nd Annual Actor Awards also recognized talent in supporting roles. Amy Madigan was named Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role for her work in Weapons, while Sean Penn, who did not attend the ceremony, won Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role for One Battle After Another. A particularly poignant moment came with the posthumous award for Catherine O’Hara, honored for her work on Apple TV’s The Studio. Series co-creator Seth Rogen accepted the award, reflecting on O’Hara’s generosity and talent. “Something that I’ve just been marvelling at over the last few weeks was really her ability to be generous and kind and gracious, while never ever minimising her own talents,” Rogen said.
Veteran actor Harrison Ford was also honored with the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award. Ford, known for iconic roles in films like Star Wars and Indiana Jones, expressed humility and gratitude, joking, “I’m in a room of actors, many of whom are here as they’ve been nominated to receive a prize for their amazing work, while I’m here to receive a prize for being alive.”
The awards ceremony, hosted for the third consecutive year by Kristen Bell, sets the stage for the 98th Academy Awards, scheduled to take place later this month. The SAG Awards are often seen as a significant bellwether for Oscar success, and Jessie Buckley’s win for her role in Hamnet undoubtedly elevates her profile as a contender for the Best Actress award.
Full list of winners
Film
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture – Sinners
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role – Michael B. Jordan, Sinners
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role – Jessie Buckley, Hamnet
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role – Amy Madigan, Weapons
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role – Sean Penn, One Battle After Another
Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture – Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
Television
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series –The Pitt
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series – The Studio
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series – Keri Russell, The Diplomat
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series – Noah Wyle, The Pitt
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series – Catherine O’Hara, The Studio
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series – Seth Rogen, The Studio
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series – Michelle Williams, Dying for Sex
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series – Owen Cooper, Adolescence
Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Television Series – The Last of Us
The Academy Award nominations will be announced on March 16, and the ceremony will be held on March 29. All eyes will be on whether Jessie Buckley’s momentum from the SAG Awards will translate into an Oscar nomination, and potentially, a win.
What did you think of the winners? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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