Jessie Buckley’s Journey: From TV Talent Shows to Golden Globe Glory

Few performers can claim to have launched their careers on a TV talent show and then gone on to win major film awards. Jessie Buckley, who recently took home a Golden Globe for her role in Hamnet, might soon join that rare group of stars who have made the leap from television competitions to Oscar contention. Nearly two decades ago, Buckley, an Irish actress and singer, first caught the public’s eye on the BBC’s I’d Do Anything. The show, hosted by Graham Norton, let viewers help cast the next big musical star. Although Buckley didn’t win, making it to the finals was enough to open doors to significant theater roles, including sharing the stage with talents like Hannah Waddingham from Ted Lasso.

After her time on the show, Buckley attended RADA and performed Shakespeare opposite Jude Law. She then landed a part in a TV adaptation of War and Peace, which paved the way for her film debut in the psychological thriller Beast. Her performance in Beast earned her critical praise and set the stage for future success. In 2018, Buckley starred in Wild Rose, a gritty country music drama alongside Julie Walters. This film allowed her to blend her acting and singing abilities, leading to performances at major events like Glastonbury and in unexpected places as well.

Musical Roots and Emotional Connections

One of the songs Buckley performed was Nina Simone’s rendition of Sandy Denny’s ‘Who Knows Where the Time Goes’. She shared with the New York Times,

I did some gigs in a working male prison for lifers, and I sang this song… there’s beautiful things in that song that kind of make you think about the things that you’ve left behind and how long you’ve got left.

This deep connection to music has been a constant throughout her career, whether she’s performing on stage or recording her own material. In 2022, she teamed up with former Suede guitarist Bernard Butler for the album For All Our Days That Tear the Heart, further showcasing her range as an artist.

Speaking about Simone, Buckley said,

When I hear her sing anything, I just think she contains multitudes …like the epicness of being a queen and the fragility of being a human, and every song that she sings, it always shatters me and makes me want to climb a mountain.

Her admiration for Simone’s emotional depth mirrors Buckley’s own approach to her craft, blending vulnerability and strength in every performance.

On the Brink of New Achievements

Looking ahead, Buckley is set to appear in The Bride!, a horror romance directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal. Gyllenhaal previously cast Buckley in her directorial debut, The Lost Daughter, where Buckley starred alongside Olivia Colman. The Bride! reimagines the classic Bride of Frankenstein story and is scheduled for release on March 6.

With her recent Golden Globe win, Buckley is now considered a strong contender for an Oscar for her role in Hamnet. The film, which also stars Paul Mescal, explores the lives of William Shakespeare and his wife, Agnes Hathaway, as they cope with the loss of their young son. Hamnet was a standout at this year’s Golden Globes, earning the award for Best Motion Picture – Drama for director Chloe Zhao, who previously won an Oscar for Nomadland starring Frances McDormand.