If Jessie Buckley wins the Oscar for Best Actress on Sunday night, County Kerry will have all the proof it needs of a cherished local belief: being born in this corner of Ireland is truly the greatest gift God can give. The award would be for Buckley’s performance in Hamnet, but in Killarney, her hometown in the county nicknamed “the Kingdom,” credit will extend back to her childhood, when she acted in local plays.
“Hollywood, here we come!” declared the newspaper Kerry’s Eye, highlighting the feeling that Buckley’s journey to the 98th Academy Awards has been a collective one, driven by her talent, determination, and roots.
The writer John B. Keane once joked that having Kerry heritage is a divine gift with “awesome responsibility”—a view that will seem confirmed if Buckley becomes the first Irish woman to win the award.
“Everyone will tune in—she’s one of our own,” said Sinead Van Bladel, a supermarket worker who made Jessie Buckley masks for her colleagues.
Bookmakers consider Buckley the clear favorite—ahead of Rose Byrne, Emma Stone, Kate Hudson, and Renate Reinsve—for her portrayal of William Shakespeare’s wife, Agnes Hathaway, in the film adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s novel.
The only Irish women to have won acting Oscars are Brenda Fricker, who won Best Supporting Actress for My Left Foot in 1990, and Maureen O’Hara, who received an honorary Oscar in 2014.
Amid the excitement for Buckley’s family and friends, an unspoken question lingers: what if she doesn’t win? “Oh God, the disappointment. We’d of course still be proud, but can you imagine the anticlimax?” said one, who asked not to be named. “I don’t want to be blamed for putting a hex on it.”
Radio Kerry offered a €1,000 prize for the most creative good luck messages, sparking a wave of songs, iced buns, plaques, poems, sand art, coffee foam art, and crocheted wall hangings.
A group of children with special needs each chose a word to express how Buckley made them feel. “Brave,” said one. “Inspired,” said another. “Seen,” said a third. Taoiseach Micheál Martin also recorded a message.
The outcome will either fuel or dampen St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. If an Oscar completes Buckley’s sweep of acting awards, some in Killarney think Ireland should declare a new bank holiday. Others suggest she should receive the Freedom of Kerry and free beer in every bar.
Well-wishers and TV crews have flocked to the Arbutus Hotel, founded by Buckley’s great-grandparents and still owned by the family. “It’s all go, all week,” said bartender Denis O’Connor. “It’s great for Kerry and great for the young—she’s a role model. For all her movies, she never forgot her roots.”
Carol Dempsey, an aunt of Buckley, said the adjacent Buckley’s Bar would close to the public at 7 p.m. on Sunday so relatives and close friends could gather inside and follow the events from Los Angeles. “This isn’t a media spectacle for us,” she said. “We want to celebrate the essence of Jessie and this moment. We want to enjoy the loveliness that it is. We’re not shouters; we like to whisper.”
Dempsey said that whether Buckley wins or loses, she will continue to excel at and enjoy her craft. “Accolades are important, but they’re not everything,” she said. “We have a lovely phrase that I feel really captures 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, who has created a gallery of Buckley images, marveled at a Vogue photo essay of the star.In baroque outfits, she still looks like Jessie. “The clothes are amazing, but she still looks like Jessie.”
John Fitzgerald, center, and friends discuss Buckley’s Oscar chances at Buckley’s bar in Killarney, County Kerry.
Buckley’s siblings and parents have joined her in LA. Coming from a musical family, she may have been destined for the arts. But according to local lore, a production of Jesus Christ Superstar almost derailed that path. When she was about seven, she believed the man on the cross had actually died and was so upset that she was taken backstage to meet the actor.
Her schoolteachers described her as “grámhar”—full of heart—always volunteering for sports, singing, and dancing. Buckley performed with the local musical society, placed second in a BBC talent show, and trained at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, which led 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 did her dedication to her craft. “She’s been at it for 20 years.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about Jessie Buckleys Oscar nomination and the excitement in her hometown written in a natural conversational tone
General Excitement Background
Q Who is Jessie Buckley and why is everyone talking about her
A Jessie Buckley is an acclaimed Irish actress and singer from Killarney County Kerry Shes nominated for an Academy Award which is a huge global honor and her hometown is incredibly proud
Q What movie is she nominated for
A Shes nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Men
Q Is this her first Oscar nomination
A Yes this is her very first Oscar nomination which makes it an even bigger milestone in her career
Q Where is she from exactly
A Shes from Killarney County Kerry in the southwest of Ireland Its a famous tourist town known for its beautiful lakes and national park
The Hometown Reaction
Q What does Everyone will be watchingshes one of our own mean
A It means the entire community feels a personal connection and pride in her success They see her as a local girl who made it to the worlds biggest stage and theyll all be tuning in to support her
Q How is Killarney celebrating
A Theres a general buzz in the town Local media is covering it heavily shops and pubs might have wellwishing signs and people are talking about it There may be organized viewing parties for the Oscars ceremony itself
Q Has she said anything about her hometown support
A In interviews Jessie has often spoken fondly of growing up in Kerry and how her community and family have supported her journey from singing competitions to the stage and screen
About the Oscars Her Career
Q When are the Oscars and how can I watch
A The 96th Academy Awards ceremony is on Sunday March 10 2024 It will be broadcast live on ABC in the US and on various networks worldwide
Q Who is she up against in her category
A Shes in the competitive Best Supporting Actress category For the most current list of nominees check the official Oscars
