Jessie Buckley Celebrates Winning Best Actress BAFTA While Arriving at Universal and Focus Features Afterparty in London

Jessie Buckley couldn’t hide her excitement as she arrived at the Universal and Focus Features afterparty on Sunday night, proudly clutching her Best Actress BAFTA.

The Irish actress, 36, had just been named Lead Actress for her role in Chloe Zhao’s Hamnet, continuing an award season streak that’s been impossible to ignore.

Arriving in a sleek black mini dress with a ruffled hem, Jessie swapped her eye-catching blue ceremony gown for something more playful and party-ready.

With simple black heels completing the look, she radiated happiness, showing off the golden mask trophy that symbolizes a career milestone she described as “an incredible honour.”

Fellow Nominees Add Glamour to the Night

Joining Jessie were fellow nominees Kate Hudson and Emma Stone, both of whom made striking fashion statements.

Kate dazzled in a sequined red gown, wrapping a camel-colored tailored coat around her shoulders to brave the London chill, while her longtime partner Danny Fujikawa stayed close by her side.

Emma Stone, on the other hand, smiled broadly at fans and changed into a black mini dress beneath a matching coat, ready to enjoy the festivities.

The trio’s evening was further lit by Hannah Waddingham in a glittering red halter-neck dress, while Kirsten Dunst opted for a bold baby pink jacket with dramatic sleeves, walking the red carpet alongside her husband Jesse Plemons.

Emotional Acceptance Speech

During the ceremony at London’s Royal Festival Hall, Jessie reflected on her journey, recounting memories of being a young girl with “nuclear bad fake tan” and dreams of emulating Judi Dench.

“This is really such an incredible honour,” she said tearfully.

“I never thought in a million years I would be allowed to make a film.”

She thanked her agent Lindy King for encouraging curiosity and “disobedience” in her craft, and praised author Maggie O’Farrell for bringing the character of Agnes to life.

Jessie concluded her speech with a heartfelt nod to her young daughter: “Being your mum is the best role of my life.”

One Battle After Another Dominates the Night

The ceremony also saw Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another sweep the awards, taking home six gongs including Best Film, Best Director, Adapted Screenplay, Supporting Actor, Cinematography, and Editing.

The film had led the nominations with 14 nods and lived up to expectations, with Anderson celebrating the recognition in his own colorful way.

“Anybody who says movies aren’t any good anymore can piss off because this is just a great year,” he quipped.

Meanwhile, Marty Supreme, despite 11 nominations, went home empty-handed, with Timothée Chalamet losing Best Actor to Robert Aramayo for I Swear.

Robert’s win elicited an emotional response from his father in the audience, who jumped up and cheered loudly.

On stage, Aramayo admitted he could hardly believe the moment.

Standout Winners Across Categories

Other highlights included Sinners, Frankenstein, and I Swear, each securing three awards, while Hamnet also won two gongs.

The ceremony’s top awards reflected a mix of celebrated British talent and international cinema.

Notable individual wins included:

• Supporting Actor: Sean Penn for One Battle After Another
• Supporting Actress: Wunmi Mosaku for Sinners
• Original Score: Ludwig Göransson for Sinners
• Production Design: Tamara Deverell & Shane Vieau for Frankenstein
• Special Visual Effects: Avatar: Fire and Ash

In the animated and family categories, Zootropolis 2 and Boong triumphed, while short films like Two Black Boys in Paradise and This Is Endometriosis earned critical acclaim.

Jessie Buckley’s Place in Awards Season

With this BAFTA win, Jessie Buckley cements her position as one of the most celebrated actresses of the year.

Her emotional journey from aspiring actress to award-winning star resonates deeply, and her heartfelt speech highlighted not only personal triumph but gratitude to those who guided her along the way.

What’s Next?

Jessie’s focus now turns to future roles, with Hamnet bringing her international recognition.

Following her BAFTA victory, fans and critics alike are eagerly anticipating her next projects, wondering whether she will continue to dominate award circuits this season.

Meanwhile, Paul Thomas Anderson and the cast of One Battle After Another are expected to ride the wave of critical acclaim into other international festivals.

With such a star-studded lineup and unexpected twists in wins, this year’s BAFTA results hint at a thrilling awards season ahead.

Summary

Jessie Buckley continued her award season triumph by winning the BAFTA for Lead Actress for her role in Hamnet, arriving at the Universal and Focus Features afterparty in a chic black mini dress while proudly holding her trophy.

Fellow nominees Kate Hudson and Emma Stone also attended, showcasing standout fashion choices.

The ceremony at London’s Royal Festival Hall saw One Battle After Another dominate with six awards, while Robert Aramayo surprised audiences by winning Best Actor for I Swear.

Jessie’s emotional speech reflected on her journey from aspiring actress to award-winning star and paid tribute to her daughter and mentors.

The night highlighted a mix of British and international talent across multiple categories, setting an exciting tone for the remainder of awards season.