Jessie Buckley’s Leading Actress win at the BAFTAs has sparked debate among fans
Cinema enthusiasts who watched the BAFTA Film Awards on Sunday evening (February 22) found themselves frustrated, as they felt that one performer was “robbed”.
The Traitors US presenter Alan Cumming fronted the ceremony this weekend, which saw Hollywood and British cinema’s finest gathering at the Royal Festival Hall on London’s South Bank.
Thriller One Battle After Another dominated proceedings with 14 nominations this year, with vampire horror Sinners following closely behind on 13 nominations. Shakespearean drama Hamnet and sports comedy-drama Marty Supreme both received 11 mentions.
At the end of the night, it was announced that Irish actress Jessie Buckley had won the Leading Actress accolade for portraying William Shakespeare’s wife in Hamnet. However, numerous supporters were hoping that Australian star Rose Byrne would claim the honour, reports the Express.
READ MORE: BAFTAs fans issue complaint as memoriam ‘snub’ leaves them in tearsREAD MORE: BAFTAs viewers all say the same thing about KPop Demon Hunters’ performance
The 46-year-old Sydney-born actress is the only nominee for her independent production, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You. In the picture, Rose portrays Linda, a psychotherapist grappling with motherhood whilst caring for her daughter, who suffers from a paediatric feeding disorder.
The daughter, who never appears on screen, is portrayed by Delaney Quinn, with additional cast members including Conan O’Brien, A$AP Rocky, and Christian Slater. Critics have showered the film with acclaim since its debut last year, with many agreeing that Rose delivers “the performance of a lifetime”.
Whilst Jessie has been a favourite for the Leading Actress categories, supporters haven’t dismissed Rose, following her Golden Globe triumph last month. She has additionally secured numerous critics’ accolades and remains in contention for the SAG Award and the Oscar next month.
Numerous supporters were therefore disappointed that she didn’t receive the BAFTA, with one individual posting on X (formerly Twitter): “Love Jessie Buckley, but Rose Byrne was defo robbed.”
For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new Everything Gossip website
Another commented: “Everyone got their surprises at their preferred acting categories except Best Actress. Rose Byrne, my beloved,” whilst a third remarked: “Rose Byrne deserved it sooo bad. Devastated.”
A fourth supporter mirrored this view, stating, “Oh man, I was hoping for Rose Byrne,” with another expressing, “Rose Byrne was so snubbed. Loved Jessie, but come on, Rose was out of this world.”
Meanwhile, others were thrilled to witness Jessie collect the award, with one individual posting: “Congratulations to Jessie Buckley winning the BAFTA for leading actress. Loved her inspiring acceptance speech.” Another audience member noted: “I am so pleased that Jessie Buckley has won a well-deserved BAFTA.”
This year’s BAFTAs delivered a massive surprise when British actor Robert Aramayo triumphed over Hollywood icons Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet in the Leading Actor category. Wunmi Mosaku and Sean Penn won the supporting categories earlier in the ceremony, whilst One Battle After Another claimed the prize for Best Film.
The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards are available to stream on BBC iPlayer
Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings
