Jessie Buckley Emerges as Best Actress Oscar Frontrunner

The Bride! star's bold, vulnerable performance showcases a new era of acting

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Jessie Buckley's acclaimed performance in the film The Bride!, a reimagining of the Frankenstein myth, has positioned her as a frontrunner for the Best Actress Oscar. Critics are praising Buckley's willingness to embrace the complexity and vulnerability of the role, which requires her to embody multiple characters simultaneously. Her approach, guided by techniques like 'perezhivanie' and 'dream work', taps into the subconscious to deliver a raw, emotionally resonant performance that transcends traditional acting methods.

Why it matters

Buckley's performance in The Bride! represents a potential shift in the acting landscape, as audiences and critics increasingly value performances that feel spontaneous, unconventional, and authentically experienced. In an era of streaming and content saturation, actors who can cut through the noise with bold, memorable choices are becoming more sought after.

The details

Buckley's performance in The Bride! requires her to embody multiple roles - Mary Shelley, a Chicago mob girl, and the Bride herself - often simultaneously. This willingness to embrace complexity and vulnerability is seen as a hallmark of her approach, which is guided by acting techniques like 'perezhivanie' (fully experiencing the character's emotions) and 'dream work' (tapping into the subconscious). Director Chloé Zhao utilized similar techniques on Buckley's previous film Hamnet, creating a collective unconscious on set to foster more intuitive and emotionally resonant performances.

  • Jessie Buckley's performance in The Bride! has already sparked Oscar buzz ahead of the 2026 Academy Awards ceremony.

The players

Jessie Buckley

An acclaimed Irish actress known for her versatility and willingness to take on challenging, unconventional roles.

Chloé Zhao

The director of Hamnet, who utilized techniques like creating a collective unconscious on set to foster more intuitive performances from Buckley.

Kim Gillingham

Buckley's acting coach, who has guided her in exploring techniques like 'dream work' to tap into the subconscious.

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What’s next

The 2026 Academy Awards ceremony, where Jessie Buckley is expected to be a frontrunner for the Best Actress Oscar, will take place on March 2, 2026.

The takeaway

Jessie Buckley's performance in The Bride! represents a shift towards more bold, unconventional, and authentically experienced acting, which is becoming increasingly valued in a media landscape dominated by streaming and content saturation. Her willingness to embrace vulnerability and tap into the subconscious sets her apart as a leader in this new era of acting.