Kilmainhamwood mum set to cheer Jessie Buckley on at the Oscars

There will be a strong Meath interest in Sunday night’s Academy Awards as Irish actress Jessie Buckley competes for the Best Actress Oscar.

Buckley’s mother, Marina Buckley, is originally from Kilmainhamwood, giving the ceremony a local connection as the Killarney-born star prepares for what could be the biggest moment of her career.

The actress has been nominated for her performance as Agnes Hathaway in Hamnet, a role that has already earned her a Golden Globe, BAFTA, IFTA and Actor Award during an extraordinary awards season.

Buckley’s family travelled to Los Angeles this week to support her ahead of Sunday’s ceremony at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.

Speaking before their departure, her mother Marina said the family were feeling both emotional and excited as they prepared for the event.

“We’re just so excited and so emotional as we head off to support our beautiful girl,” she said.

“This film struck a chord with people all over the world because of the story it tells.”

She added that the timing of the ceremony makes the moment even more special.

“Never would you expect that you’d be spending Mother’s Day at the Oscars in LA, but to be there as a mom and to look up at your precious and beautiful little girl — there’s nothing better than that.”

Jessie’s father Tim said the atmosphere in the build-up to the ceremony was similar to the nerves before a big sporting event.

“It’s like the pre-match tension in many ways,” he said. “It’s going to be a wonderful occasion and we have our fingers crossed.

“Either way, she has done herself proud and all the people in the country are behind her.”

Buckley is one of several Irish talents with nominations or involvement in this year’s Academy Awards.

Among them is the RTÉ and Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland-supported animated short Retirement Plan, directed by Dublin-based filmmaker John Kelly and voiced by Irish actor Domhnall Gleeson, which has been nominated for Best Animated Short.

Irish involvement also features in the Best Picture category through Bugonia, which is co-produced by the Irish production company Element Pictures. Meanwhile Irish visual effects artist Richard Baneham has been nominated for his work on Avatar: Fire and Ash, while Blue Moon, which was produced in association with Dublin-based Wild Atlantic Pictures, has also received two nominations.

In recent years Meath has enjoyed growing international recognition, with productions such as the Oscar-nominated Irish-language drama An Cailín Ciúin capturing global attention and critical acclaim. The film was primarily shot in 2020 with key locations including a farmhouse near Culmullen, Summerhill, Trim and Lismullin National School in Navan, giving the county its own connection to the international success of Irish cinema.

The long-standing connection between Irish filmmaking and Co Meath has been strong over the years. More than two decades ago, scenes for the acclaimed drama Omagh were filmed in Navan, bringing a touch of Hollywood attention to the town when the production company behind the film later received Oscar recognition.

The 98th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O’Brien, will take place in Los Angeles on Sunday night and will be broadcast live on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player from 11pm.