Jessie Buckley’s family and friends react to Golden Globes win: ‘I’m just still pinching myself; the town is pinching itself today’

The actor (36) picked up the prize for her turn as William Shakespeare’s wife Agnes Hathaway – historically known as Anne – in the big-screen adaptation of Hamnet.

The film, based on Maggie O’Farrell’s book about the death of Shakespeare’s son, which inspired him to write Hamlet, was also named best motion picture drama.

“This is not a normal feeling or situation to be in,” she said to the room of acting royalty, as she collected the award.

Speaking to RTÉ Radio 1’s Morning Ireland, Radio Kerry presenter and Buckley’s first cousin Brendan Fuller said family members and locals stayed up until 4am on Monday morning to celebrate her victory.

“I’m just still pinching myself; the town is pinching itself today because I suppose her talent is connecting, and moving and inspiring people all over the world, but she’s done that to Killarney town since 2008.”

Acknowledging Buckley’s talent for pretending to be other people, Mr Fuller said it is “incredible to see that she’s even better at being herself through it all”.

“Through the Golden Globe nominations, through the Golden Globe wins as she goes up and gives an amazing speech and has that lovely, genuine laugh that’s so rare to be heard on a Hollywood stage.

“She’s just incredible. We’re just so proud of her.”

Fiona Crowley, founder of the Fiona Crowley Stage School in Killarney, recalled Buckley’s time performing on stage at the school.

“We’re just absolutely thrilled here this morning. We were whooping from the early hours, just so delighted for Jessie.

“So, Jessie was part of our Stage School family, and we were very proud to have her, and her siblings all came to the Fiona Crowley Stage School.”

Ms Crowley said that even back then, it was clear that Buckley “stood out amongst people”.

“She had such a grace and humility always towards children, which was paramount for us in the business.

“But even now, when you see her in the Golden Globes, she stands among those titans in the industry, and she holds her own.

“When she got involved in Killarney Musical Society, which is a magnificent society here in Killarney, in the performance of Carousel, she actually won an award for that through Aims as well for being best actress.”

Ms Crowley accompanied Buckley in 2008 when, as a 17-year-old, she performed in the talent show I’d Do Anything on the BBC, hosted by Graham Norton.

Buckley finished runner-up on the show, which was based around a search for an unknown talent to play Nancy in a West End performance of Oliver.

“She was only 17, we must remember that, she was a child, wasn’t even legally able to vote at that stage, and yet she was flying the flag for Ireland there,” Ms Crowley said.