Irish actress Jessie Buckley solidified her status as the frontrunner for the best actress Oscar on Sunday night, capturing the Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role at the 2026 Actor Awards for her searing portrayal of Agnes Shakespeare in Chloé Zhao’s “Hamnet.”

Buckley, 36, took the stage at the Shrine Auditorium amid thunderous applause after her name was announced, beating out nominees Rose Byrne (“If I Had Legs I’d Kick You”), Kate Hudson (“Song Sung Blue”), Chase Infiniti (“One Battle After Another”) and Emma Stone (“Bugonia”). The win marks the culmination of a dominant awards season run for Buckley, who previously claimed best actress honors at the Golden Globes, Critics Choice Awards and BAFTAs for the same role.

Directed by Zhao and adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s bestselling novel, “Hamnet” reimagines the life of Shakespeare’s family, focusing on the grief-stricken Agnes following the death of their young son. Buckley’s performance as the intuitive, resilient wife and mother has been widely praised for its emotional depth and quiet power, blending historical authenticity with raw vulnerability.

In her acceptance speech, Buckley expressed profound gratitude to her peers and singled out “Hamnet” co-star Emily Watson, who played a pivotal supporting role. “I have been categorically changed by so many people in this room and beyond,” Buckley said, her voice cracking with emotion. “Emily, you’re the realest of the real—my north star from the beginning. Thank you for inspiring me every step.” The shout-out visibly moved Watson in the audience, with cameras capturing her wiping away tears.

The moment echoed Buckley’s earlier tributes to Watson at the Critics Choice Awards in January, where she called the veteran actress her guiding influence. Buckley’s heartfelt words underscored the collaborative spirit of the film, which also earned a nomination for outstanding cast performance but lost to Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners.”

The victory positions Buckley strongly for the Academy Awards on March 15, 2026. She has now swept the major precursor acting awards—a rare feat last achieved by Renée Zellweger for “Judy” in 2019. Industry observers note that the Actor Awards, voted on by SAG-AFTRA members, carry significant weight as a bellwether for Oscar acting categories. Buckley’s win makes her the first Irish performer to claim the Actor Award in this category, and a potential Oscar triumph would mark the first for an Irish actress in lead actress.

Buckley’s journey to this moment has been marked by consistent critical acclaim since “Hamnet” premiered at Telluride in 2025. Her nuanced depiction of maternal loss and quiet strength resonated deeply, earning her comparisons to past winners like Frances McDormand and Olivia Colman for their ability to convey profound emotion with subtlety.

The 32nd annual Actor Awards—newly rebranded from the Screen Actors Guild Awards—were hosted by Kristen Bell, who opened with a lively monologue incorporating song and dance. The ceremony streamed live on Netflix, drawing millions of viewers worldwide. Other notable film wins included Michael B. Jordan for lead actor in “Sinners,” Amy Madigan for supporting actress in “Weapons” and Sean Penn for supporting actor in “One Battle After Another.” Television highlights featured Keri Russell in drama series actress for “The Diplomat,” Seth Rogen in comedy series actor for “The Studio” and a posthumous win for Catherine O’Hara in comedy series actress for “The Studio.”

Buckley’s win caps a transformative period for the actress, who has balanced stage work, television and film while building a reputation as one of the most versatile performers of her generation. Her earlier roles in “The Lost Daughter,” “I’m Thinking of Ending Things” and “Chernobyl” showcased her range, but “Hamnet” represents a career-defining turn that has elevated her to awards-season dominance.

Post-win, Buckley told reporters backstage she felt “overwhelmed by the love” from fellow actors. “This coming from the people who know what it’s like to be in the trenches means everything,” she said. She also reflected on the film’s themes of love, grief and resilience, noting how they mirrored real-life experiences for many.

As the Oscars approach, Buckley’s sweep has shifted the best actress race decisively in her favor. With strong peer support and critical consensus, analysts predict she could become the first Irish Oscar winner in the lead actress category, adding another milestone to an already remarkable season.

The Actor Awards delivered a night of surprises and emotional highs, but Buckley’s gracious, heartfelt victory stood out as a highlight, celebrating not just individual achievement but the collaborative magic of filmmaking.

Trade Barometer from Manchester Airports Group and Growing Together Alliance shows exporters are broadly upbeat

British exporters have started pivoting away from America as the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs and trade policies goes on, the latest edition of a national trade study has revealed.

And with the Spring Statement coming up, a Northern business leader has urged Rachel Reeves to help unleash “significant and ambitious growth” across the regions of the UK, including the North and OxCam corridors, through growing global trade.

The latest UK Trade Barometer, from Manchester Airports Group and the Growing Together Alliance of business groups, showed that in the last quarter of 2025 manufacturers in particular had pivoted away from the US towards other markets.

But the shift from the States was seen in all sectors, with just 24% of those polled saying they had increased US sales in Q4, a figure which has fallen steadily from 29% at the start of 2025. When asked which global market they had entered for the first time in Q4, just 14% said America – down from 20% in Q1. Some 13% of those polled said they expected to start trading in the US in the next three months – the same figure as Q1 in 2025.

Nine markets in particular have grown in popularity over the past year. In Q4, some 10% of firms said they planned to increase sales to Australia, up on 6% in Q1, with Spain (6% vs 5%) and New Zealand (6% vs 2%) also growing in popularity.

Some 46% of all manufacturers said they had increased exports over the period, but just 16% said they had increased sales to America in Q4 – down from 25% in Q1.

But 12% of manufacturers said they had grown sales to China, a rate that doubled from 6% in Q1. The number reporting increased sales to Japan rose from 4% in Q1 to 8% by Q4.

The study also looks at which markets manufacturers broke into for the first time. In Q1 2025, 15% of those polled made their first move into America, but just 8% said the same in Q4.

But in Q4 some 9% of those polled said they had sold to China for the first time, up from 4% in Q1, while 9% also said they had sold to Japan for the first time – up from just 3% in Q1. Other markets to see growth were Australia, France, Germany and Spain.

In construction, some 92% of firms polled said they had increased overseas sales. At an average of 79% across all four quarters, it was the sector that saw the most export increases.

Just 18% of those firms said they grew US sales in Q4, down from 43% in Q1. The biggest growth market was Japan, with other growing markets including Ireland, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and New Zealand.

Financial services had its strongest quarter in Q4 with 59% reporting increased overseas sales. Some 25% of financial services firms grew sales to the US in Q4 – the same share as in Q1 – while the biggest other growth markets were India and Canada.

While all parts of the UK had their weakest overseas sales quarter in Q4, the gap between London and the nations and regions widened in the second half of 2025. In the fourth quarter some 64% of London exporters said they grew overseas sales, compared with 50% in the North, 47% in the Midlands and 44% in the East of England. The gap has widened since Q1, when 76% of London firms were growing exports compared to 69% of firms in the North.

Looking ahead, some 44% of London firms expected to grow exports, with 33% expecting to enter a new market for the first time. Those figures were 27% and 18% respectively in the North, 19% and 13% respectively in the Midlands, and 18% and 16% in the East of England.

All regions expect sales to America to bounce back in the first part of this year. The most upbeat region was the Midlands, with 49% expecting an uplift in US exports, with 43% in London and the East expecting rises. The North was the only region to see fewer firms forecasting fewer US export increases to America – 46% compared to 50% in Q3 – but that was still up on the first quarter of 2025, when just 40% expected sales growth.

The barometer, run in partnership with YouGov, is created from a survey of 2,000 businesses across the country every quarter. Business leaders answer questions about their global trading habits in the past quarter and their expectations for the quarter ahead.

Manchester Airports Group (MAG) is the largest UK airports group, owning and operating Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands Airports as well as global travel services business, CAVU.

MAG CEO Ken O’Toole said: “As an island trading nation, we know how important our export performance is to the overall economic health of the UK.

“This full-year data shows the direct impact global events can have on businesses’ order books – but it also shows that British exporters are skilled at diversifying and pivoting to new markets – harnessing the resilience and innovation of our globally trading firms will be important if we want to kick-start growth.

“While some economic indicators point to a potential upturn in growth during the course of 2026, the fact fewer than one in three exporters expect to increase sales in the first part of this year paints a slightly different picture.

“As Government looks to deliver its Industrial Strategy, there is a clear opportunity to be grasped: by growing the number of firms that trade globally, we can boost productivity and living standards in regional growth corridors across the UK, from the Northern Growth Corridor to the Ox-Cam Arc. It is vital Government works with business to understand the steps it could take to help more firms trade internationally, including encouraging investment in the infrastructure that unlocks international connectivity.”

Henri Murison, chair of the Growing Together Alliance, said: “Over the course of 2025 we’ve seen a clear recalibration in UK trade patterns. While America remains a vital market, particularly for manufacturers, exporters have increasingly diversified as conditions have shifted. This reflects geopolitical realities, but also the adaptability and resilience of UK firms.

“The pivot to markets like Asia and Europe is notable – and if the Prime Minister can negotiate it then further reduced trade barriers with the latter it would make trade with countries in the European Union easier without allowing accusations of Brexit betrayal that a full-blown customs union could lead to.”

“The continued strength of London is welcome, and the priority should now be ensuring that export-led growth is not confined there but supports further increasing productivity across all regions.

“With the Spring Statement next week, there is an opportunity to reinforce the economic fundamentals which the Chancellor has focused on. This will allow her to continue backing significant and ambitious growth across the North and OxCam corridors underpinned by infrastructure.”

Harrison Ford, the enduring Hollywood icon known for portraying Han Solo, Indiana Jones and countless other unforgettable characters, celebrated his 83rd birthday milestone in recent months while delivering one of the most poignant moments of the 2026 awards season: an emotional acceptance of the SAG-AFTRA Life Achievement Award at the Actor Awards on March 1.

Born July 13, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, Ford turned 83 last summer and remains a vibrant force in entertainment at an age when many peers have long retired. The veteran actor, who has spanned seven decades on screen, used his acceptance speech to blend trademark dry humor with genuine gratitude, tearing up as he thanked his wife, Calista Flockhart, and reflected on his improbable journey from carpenter to global superstar.

“It’s a little early, isn’t it?” Ford quipped to the cheering crowd at the Shrine Auditorium, joking that receiving a lifetime achievement honor felt premature at what he called “the halfway point of my career.” The line drew laughter and a standing ovation, underscoring his refusal to slow down. “I’m still a working actor,” he emphasized, highlighting his ongoing commitment to the craft.

Presented by longtime friend Woody Harrelson, the award recognized Ford’s contributions to acting and humanitarian causes. Harrelson praised Ford’s resilience, noting how he “thinks working more is the antidote to aging.” The tribute highlighted Ford’s recent renaissance, including Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for his role as therapist Dr. Paul Rhoades in Apple TV+’s “Shrinking,” where he portrays a man navigating Parkinson’s disease with sharp wit and vulnerability.

Ford’s speech grew visibly emotional as he acknowledged the support of his peers and family. He called Flockhart “beautiful” and credited her for being a constant source of strength. “I am a lucky guy,” Ford said, fighting back tears while expressing appreciation for the “love and support” from fellow actors who watched him grow from a young performer to a cultural legend.

The honor caps a remarkable period for Ford, who has defied conventional retirement narratives. In recent interviews, he has insisted he has no plans to step away, famously declaring that Hollywood needs “old people to play old people’s parts.” His work in “Shrinking”—now heading into its third season in 2026—has earned widespread acclaim, marking his first Emmy nomination and revitalizing discussions about ageism in the industry.

Ford’s career trajectory remains one of Hollywood’s most improbable success stories. After early bit parts and carpentry work to support his family, he broke through in the late 1970s with George Lucas’ “Star Wars” (1977), where his portrayal of the roguish smuggler Han Solo made him an instant icon. He reprised the role in sequels and spin-offs, including “The Force Awakens” (2015) and “The Rise of Skywalker” (2019).

The 1980s solidified his status with the “Indiana Jones” franchise, beginning with “Raiders of the Lost Ark” (1981). Ford’s whip-cracking archaeologist became synonymous with adventure cinema, leading to four more films, including the 2023 finale “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,” where he bid farewell to the fedora at age 80.

Beyond blockbusters, Ford has excelled in dramas like “Witness” (1985), “The Fugitive” (1993) and “Air Force One” (1997), earning critical praise and box-office dominance. His highest-grossing films have collectively earned billions worldwide, cementing his place among the all-time top earners.

In recent years, Ford has expanded into television with “1923,” a “Yellowstone” prequel, and made his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in “Captain America: Brave New World.” These roles showcase his versatility, blending action-hero charisma with nuanced dramatic depth.

Off-screen, Ford is a dedicated pilot and environmental advocate, serving on Conservation International’s board and using his platform for conservation efforts. His humanitarian work factored into the Life Achievement recognition, honoring not just his performances but his broader impact.

Ford’s personal life has also drawn attention. Married to Flockhart since 2010, the couple maintains a relatively private existence, making their joint red-carpet appearance at the Actor Awards a rare and cherished moment for fans. Flockhart stood by his side, beaming as photographers captured the couple’s affection.

At 83, Ford shows few signs of slowing. Spotted biking in Los Angeles earlier this year and actively promoting projects, he embodies resilience in an industry often youth-obsessed. His recent outings, including casual trips to car lots and continued work on “Shrinking,” demonstrate vitality that belies his age.

As tributes poured in following the Actor Awards, colleagues and fans celebrated Ford’s enduring legacy. The standing ovation and emotional speech served as a reminder of why he remains one of cinema’s most beloved figures—charismatic, authentic and unwilling to fade into retirement.

With new seasons and potential projects on the horizon, Harrison Ford continues proving that great performances know no expiration date. At 83, the man who once quipped “It’s not the years, honey, it’s the mileage” shows the industry—and the world—that the adventure is far from over.

Global market volatility has left investors searching for direction. Veteran investor Ramesh Damani said that while the market’s sharp swings can be shocking, dips often present buying opportunities. He noted that the Sensex opened 2,500 points down before recovering, suggesting that markets may be overreacting. “Over the last 10–20 years, significant dips have always been buying opportunities. The world is changing, but there are always pockets of profit and loss,” Damani observed.

When it comes to safe havens, Damani pointed to commodities, defence, and pharmaceuticals. He said that while he is not particularly bullish on oil, defence spending is set to rise as countries pursue economic nationalism. Commodities and so-called anti-AI plays, such as infrastructure and pharma, are likely to perform well. However, he cautioned that AI is a transformative force, creating both winners and losers in the market.

Damani also addressed concerns about the IT sector. He emphasized adaptability, saying, “The species that survive is not the strongest or smartest, but the most adaptable. The IT sector will change, and companies that embrace it will prosper. Writing off IT in three weeks is like throwing the baby out with the bath water.” He highlighted examples of companies like TCS that are actively embracing change, even at the cost of cannibalizing existing revenues.

The shift toward self-sufficiency in defence globally presents a major opportunity for Indian companies. Damani explained that rising defence budgets, combined with India’s technological capabilities, could open doors for exports and domestic growth. While he acknowledged that extreme multi-bagger returns may be unlikely at current valuations, he said private sector companies focusing on technology, drones, and optical fibre offer promising opportunities.

On the intersection of AI and enterprise software, Damani noted that IT services will continue to perform, though the market is evolving rapidly. Enterprise software, which requires scalability, robustness, and auditability, remains essential, and those companies willing to adapt to the new environment are likely to thrive.

Finally, Damani emphasized consumption trends, which he believes the market is underestimating. While AI-driven unemployment could impact consumption, other shifts such as the GLP trend are changing consumer behavior in areas like food permanently. He recommended that investors consider sectors like pharma, infrastructure, defence, and AI-benefiting companies such as optical fibre firms. According to Damani, seizing opportunities in this transforming landscape requires fresh eyes and a willingness to anticipate where the market is heading, rather than simply reacting to current conditions.