The Green Post Ireland
Jessie Buckley has claimed one of the most significant prizes of awards season, winning Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role at the 2026 Actor Awards in Los Angeles for her performance in Hamnet.
The ceremony, formerly known as the Screen Actors Guild Awards, is voted on by members of SAG-AFTRA and is widely viewed as a key barometer ahead of the Academy Awards. With actors forming the largest voting branch within the Academy, the win places Buckley firmly in the conversation as Oscar voting approaches.
Taking to the stage visibly moved, Buckley reflected on the collaborative nature of her craft.
“I have been categorically changed by so many people in this room and beyond,” she said. “To get to work with my heart in my hand and stand beside my brilliant, daring friends who show me their heart — what a way to spend a life.”
She paid particular tribute to co-star Emily Watson, describing her as “a guiding light” whose “wild imagination” and “ferocious gentleness” deeply influenced her.
A Night That Sharpens the Oscars Race
While Buckley’s victory provided one of the evening’s standout moments, the ensemble prize for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture went to Sinners, intensifying its awards momentum just two weeks before the Oscars.
Accepting on behalf of the cast, Delroy Lindo emphasised the emotional investment behind the project, while co-star Michael B. Jordan secured Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role. His win further solidifies Sinners as a major force heading into the Academy Awards.
In the supporting categories, Amy Madigan earned recognition for Weapons, expressing gratitude for acknowledgement from her peers. Sean Penn won Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role for One Battle After Another, though he was not present to accept the award.
Television Standouts and Emotional Tributes
On the television side, Apple TV’s The Studio emerged as one of the night’s biggest winners, collecting three awards. Among them was a posthumous honour for Catherine O’Hara, who passed away in January.
Co-creator Seth Rogen, accepting on her behalf, praised O’Hara’s generosity and refusal to diminish her own talent despite her humility.
Other major television winners included The Pitt for Outstanding Ensemble in a Drama Series and individual acting honours for Keri Russell, Noah Wyle, Michelle Williams and Owen Cooper.
Harrison Ford Honoured
The evening also celebrated longevity and legacy. Harrison Ford received the Life Achievement Award, delivering a characteristically wry speech.
“I feel incredibly grateful for this kind attention,” he said, before joking that while others were nominated for their work, he was being recognised “for being alive.”
Momentum Heading Into the Academy Awards
With voting power concentrated among actors, the Actor Awards often signal shifting momentum in the Oscars race. Buckley’s victory not only recognises her performance in Hamnet but also strengthens her standing at a pivotal stage of the season.
As Hollywood turns its focus to the Academy Awards, the night in Los Angeles has clarified one thing: the race for the top acting honours remains fiercely competitive — and Jessie Buckley is now firmly at its centre.
