President Connolly congratulates Jessie Buckley and Richard Baneham on Oscar wins
Date: Mon 16 Mar, 2026 | 03:30
“As President of Ireland, may I offer my warmest congratulations to Jessie Buckley and Richard Baneham following their fantastic success in being awarded an Oscar at last night’s Academy Awards ceremony.
Jessie Buckley’s award is an historic moment, with Jessie becoming the first Irish woman to receive an Oscar in the Best Actress category. This achievement is a thoroughly deserved testament not only to Jessie’s outstanding performance in Hamnet, but to her performances both in film and on stage across her career to date. I know that her proud community in Kerry and beyond will be sharing with her in this wonderful achievement.
The award of a third Oscar to Richard Baneham for Visual Effects is a truly remarkable achievement following his previous Oscars in 2009 and 2023 and reflects his standing as one of the outstanding technicians in his field.
May I also add my congratulations to all those Irish people, including Maggie O’Farrell, John Kelly, Ed Guiney and Andrew Lowe and all at Element Pictures and Wild Atlantic Pictures, who received a nomination for this year’s awards. A nomination for an Oscar is, in itself, a reward for truly outstanding work and recognition of those at the very top of their craft.
We are very lucky to have so many talented people contributing at every level to the Irish film industry at this time. May I congratulate Screen Ireland and all those working in the Irish film and acting communities, and all those supporting them, for their continued success, and for the wonderful pieces of art which they continue to bring to audiences across the world.
May I wish all of them my congratulations and wish them a happy St Patrick’s Day as they celebrate this thoroughly deserved success.”