As the 98th Academy Awards approach, excitement is building in Killarney, the hometown of Irish actress Jessie Buckley, who is hotly tipped to become the first Irish woman to win the best actress award. According to The Guardian, Buckley's performance in Hamnet has garnered significant attention, and her potential win would be a testament to the talent and determination that has defined her career.
Buckley's journey to Hollywood has been a collective effort, propelled by her roots in Killarney and her involvement in local plays during her childhood. The writer John B Keane once described Kerry heritage as a divine gift with "awesome responsibility," an opinion that will appear validated if Buckley becomes the first Irish woman to win the award.
Bookies rate Buckley as the runaway favourite for her depiction of William Shakespeare's wife, Agnes Hathaway, in the film version of Maggie O'Farrell's novel. The only Irish women to have won acting Oscars are Brenda Fricker in 1990 and Maureen O'Hara, who received an honorary Oscar in 2014.
Community Support
The community in Killarney is rallying behind Buckley, with supermarket worker Sinead Van Bladel creating masks for her colleagues and Radio Kerry offering a €1,000 prize for the most creative good luck messages. A group of children with special needs have also expressed their admiration for Buckley, with one saying she makes them feel "brave," another "inspired," and a third "seen."
Micheál Martin, the taoiseach, has recorded a message of support, and the result of the Oscars will likely fuel or dampen St Patrick's Day celebrations. If Buckley wins, some in Killarney think Ireland should declare a new bank holiday, while others suggest she should receive the freedom of Kerry and free beer in every bar.
Family and Friends
Buckley's family and friends are eagerly awaiting the outcome, with her aunt, Carol Dempsey, saying that whether she wins or loses, Buckley will continue to excel at and enjoy her craft. Dempsey also shared a phrase that encapsulates the essence of Jessie: "While many feel that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, we feel that for Jessie it's in the heart of the possessor.」
At the tourist office, Finola White has created a gallery of Buckley images, marveling at a Vogue photoessay of the star in baroque outfits. Buckley's siblings and parents have joined her in LA, and according to local lore, a production of Jesus Christ Superstar almost sabotaged her career when she was a child.
Early Life and Career
Teachers at Buckley's school described her as "grámhar" – full of heart, always volunteering for sport, singing, and dancing. She performed at the local musical society, came second in a BBC talent show, and trained at London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, leading to TV and film roles. John Fitzgerald, 65, sipping a pint at Buckley's bar, said being from Kerry gave her an edge, but so, too, did dedication to her craft.
As the Oscars approach, the community in Killarney is holding its breath, eager to see if Buckley will bring home the award. Whether she wins or loses, her talent and determination have already made her a role model for the young people in her hometown, and her legacy will continue to inspire and uplift them for years to come.
