Killarney actress Jessie Buckley has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Kerry Association in Dublin Arts Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the Arts.

The 36-year-old made history in March 2026 by becoming the first Irish woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in Hamnet.

Her portrayal of Agnes Shakespeare also earned her a clean sweep of major global accolades this year, including a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, a Critics Choice Award, a Screen Actors Guild (Actor) Award, and an IFTA.

The Arts Award, established by the Kerry Association in Dublin to recognise excellence by individuals born or raised in the county, will be formally presented to Buckley in the near future.

Praise from the Kerry Association

Jimmy Deenihan, Chairperson of the Kerry Association in Dublin Arts Sub Committee, stated that the decision to grant the prestigious award to Buckley was unanimous following her historic awards season.

"This monumental achievement by Jessie comes as a major boost for the burgeoning Irish film industry and will inspire a new generation of Irish screen talent," Mr Deenihan said. "In her acceptance speech, Jessie endeared herself to a global audience with her dignified humility and the love and pride she expressed in her family and her county."

Jeremy Twomey, Chairperson of the Kerry Association in Dublin, described Buckley as a sensational, deeply talented woman who serves as an outstanding role model.

"She has done Kerry and Ireland proud," Mr Twomey said. "This deeply talented, sensational woman can act in any capacity, guileless or knowing, reserved or uncontained, transmit glee, ecstasy, dread, fear or confusion. She brings her audiences with her and is an outstanding role model for the younger generation who look at her and aspire to access on the world stage."
Brigid Laffan, President of the Kerry Association, noted the immense pride within the county regarding Buckley's level-headedness throughout her international success, calling her work in Hamnet "nothing short of wonderful."

In accepting the accolade, Jessie Buckley paid tribute to her roots in the Kingdom.
"Growing up in Kerry was a gift in recognising the capacity for beauty and wildness in our own human expression from the nature I grew up around," Buckley said. "Thank you, this is a great honour to accept this award."