The historic achievement of Jessie Buckley as the first Irish woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress is expected to inspire future generations of performers and provide a significant boost to the national film industry.

Audiovisual Ireland, the IBEC body representing the screen sector, has warmly welcomed the win for her performance in Hamnet, noting that such global recognition highlights the immense breadth of creative talent currently working within Ireland.

According to Audiovisual Ireland director Nicola Cooke, the screen sector now contributes over €1 billion to the economy and supports almost 16,000 jobs nationwide.

Production spend alone reached over €544 million in 2025, marking a 26% increase from the previous year.

Industry leaders believe that the visibility provided by Buckley’s success profiles Ireland as a premier destination for international film production and tourism.

“Given the prominence and reach of the screen productions, along with the sector’s contribution to regional employment, this highlights the industry as a key part or our national cultural identity as storytellers, and truly profiles Ireland as a destination for tourism,” said Cooke

To maintain this momentum, the sector continues to advocate for the promotion of funding initiatives and the Section 481 tax credit to ensure that digital production and animation continue to drive growth.

Killarney Community College held their annual Who’s Got Talent final on Wednesday March 18, organised by teachers Denise O’Sullivan and Joanna Hughes.

The judges were Mike Lynch, student Wiktoria Gluza and retired teacher Mary Fuller, who is the aunt of Jessie Buckley.

Ms Hughes said it is very apt having Ms Fuller as a judge this year, as Oscar winner Jessie Buckley, who is her niece, was also a judge at the very first Who’s Got Talent final.

This is the 14th year of the successful event, showcasing the vast talent within the school. There have been weeks of auditions, and the final seven acts range from drama, singing, comedy and traditional music players, all battling it out in the Grand Final.

Principal Stella Loughnane said it is lovely to watch the students develop and perform their many talents in front of the whole school, saying it is a very joyous event at Killarney Community College.