Jessie Buckley won her first Golden Globe for “Hamnet” and surprised the room by thanking a crew member whose soup kept everyone going.
Jessie Buckley is having a moment — and she marked it with gratitude, humility and a story no one at the Golden Globes expected.
On Sunday night at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, Buckley won the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama, for her powerful performance in Hamnet.
It was her first Golden Globe nomination and win, adding to an already impressive awards-season run that includes a recent Critics Choice Award and a SAG Award nomination.
Taking the stage, Buckley appeared both stunned and emotional. “This is not a normal feeling or situation to be in,” she said, before thanking the Golden Globes, Focus Features and the team behind the film. But it was her unexpected shoutout that stole the moment.
Buckley singled out Hamnet’s key grip, Tomasz Sternicki, recalling how she once found him behind his truck on set, chopping potatoes, onions and meat. Sternicki, she said, had brought a large cast iron pot from Poland and began making soup for the cast and crew. Soon, the soup became a regular comfort on set — and clearly left a lasting impression on Buckley.
Hamnet, directed by Oscar winner Chloé Zhao, tells a fictionalized story of Agnes and William Shakespeare, played by Buckley and Paul Mescal. The film follows their love, family life and devastating grief after the death of their 11-year-old son, Hamnet, from the plague — a loss that later inspires Hamlet.
The film received six Golden Globe nominations, including Best Motion Picture (Drama), Best Supporting Actor for Mescal, Best Director for Zhao, Best Screenplay, and Best Original Score by Max Richter.
The ceremony was hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser, returning for her second year as emcee.
Premiering at the Telluride Film Festival in August, Hamnet has been widely praised, with many calling Buckley’s performance the best of her career. Known for roles in Women Talking, Wild Rose and The Lost Daughter, Buckley shows no signs of slowing down — she’ll next appear in The Bride!.
For one unforgettable night, though, Buckley reminded Hollywood that sometimes it’s the quiet kindness on set — and a warm bowl of soup — that matters most.
