President Catherine Connolly has congratulated Jessie Buckley for becoming the first Irish actress to win the best actress Oscar.
Connolly said it was a “historic moment” and that her community in Kerry will be proud.
“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.”
She also congratulated Richard Baneham, who won his third Oscar for his visual effects work for the Avatar films.
“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.
[ Oscars 2026: Jessie Buckley finishes a job started by three other Irish starsOpens in new window ]
“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.”
Taoiseach Micheál Martin also congratulated Buckley and Baneham in a post on the social media site X.
The Taoiseach said: “Congratulations Jessie Buckley on your historic Oscar success!
“A well deserved win too for Richard Baneham on a wonderful night for Irish film and the performing arts.”
Tánaiste Simon Harris joined in posting: “Jessie Buckley has done it!!
“The first Irish woman to ever win Best Actress at the Academy Awards.
“What a moment. It’s fantastic to see Jessie recognised on the biggest stage in the world. All of Ireland is so proud tonight. Comhghairdeas Jessie!”
The Tánaiste also congratulated Baneham, saying: “a huge congratulations to Tallaght’s Richard Baneham for becoming the second Irish person in history to win three Oscars with his win for visual effects for Avatar: Fire and Ash.”
In a statement on X, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald congratulated “Kerry’s Jessie Buckley” saying she “has made history, becoming the first Irish woman to win the Oscar for Best Actress.
“A remarkable achievement and a proud day for Ireland.”
Minister for Arts Patrick O’Donovan described Buckley’s win as “a magnificent achievement and a moment of real pride for Ireland.
“Her performance has captivated audiences worldwide, and this award is a testament to her extraordinary talent, dedication and artistic courage,” he said.
“Jessie continues to represent the very best of Irish creativity on the global stage.”
The Minister added that Ireland’s presence at the Academy Awards continues to grow, reflecting the “exceptional talent, creativity and ambition of our artists, writers, filmmakers and production companies”.