Jessie Buckley stuns audience with heartfelt praise for Paul Mescal

Jessie Buckley paid tribute to Paul Mescal during her Critics Choice acceptance speech, leaving him visibly emotional

Irish actor Jessie Buckley turned heads at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards with a memorable acceptance speech that left co‑star Paul Mescal visibly emotional. 

Buckley, who won Best Actress for her performance in the historical drama Hamnet, used her speech to offer warm and cheeky praise for Mescal, who stars opposite her in the film adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s novel. 

Addressing Mescal directly, Buckley joked, “Paul, I bloody love you, man, and I know loads of other women do in this room too, but tough s***!” She continued with a playful yet heartfelt compliment, saying she “could drink you like water working with you every single day,” before recognizing Mescal as “a giant of the heart” and thanking him for helping make her “a little more human.”

this was super sweet. Jessie Buckley made Paul Mescal cry during her Best Actress speech at the Critics' Choice Awards

"I bloody love you, man, and I know loads of other women do in this room too, but tough shit! I could drink you like water" pic.twitter.com/IjQWe8IsRe

— Spencer Althouse (@SpencerAlthouse) January 5, 2026

The remarks prompted laughter and smiles from the audience, and cameras caught Mescal, 29, burying his face in his hands in a reaction that many described as bashful and touched. Fans on social media quickly highlighted the moment, with some commenting on the affectionate language Buckley used and the comfortable chemistry between the two actors. 

Hamnet, directed by Chloé Zhao, explores the emotional aftermath of William Shakespeare’s son’s death and has been widely praised for its performances and cinematic depth. Mescal plays Shakespeare alongside Buckley’s portrayal of his wife, Agnes; both actors have drawn attention for their work throughout the awards season. 

Buckley’s speech not only underscored her camaraderie with Mescal but also added a playful, human moment to the night’s celebrations, emphasizing both respect and friendship between the cast members.