Few actors today embody versatility and authenticity quite like Jessie Buckley. From her emotionally charged roles in independent dramas to her commanding performances on television, Buckley has built a career defined by fearless choices and raw talent. The range of Jessie Buckley movies and TV shows reflects an artist unafraid to take risks, continuously pushing herself to explore new emotional depths.
As of November 2025, Buckley is one of the most respected performers working in Hollywood and beyond. With multiple award nominations, major upcoming releases, and an acclaimed music career, her journey continues to inspire audiences worldwide. Below, we take an in-depth look at her filmography, achievements, and what’s next for this extraordinary Irish actress.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born in County Kerry, Ireland, Jessie Buckley was drawn to performance from an early age. Her musical training and theater background shaped the expressive artistry that would later define her career.
Her first major public appearance came in 2008, when she competed on the BBC talent show I’d Do Anything, finishing as runner-up. The show opened doors for her in London’s theater scene, leading to critically acclaimed stage roles in productions like A Little Night Music, Henry V, and The Tempest.
Buckley’s screen debut came in 2016 with a small but impactful role in War and Peace, a BBC miniseries adaptation of the Tolstoy classic. Her performance as Maria Bolkonskaya was a revelation, showcasing her ability to bring emotional truth to even the most restrained characters. From there, Buckley’s career took off.
Breakthrough Moment: Wild Rose (2018)
The true turning point in Buckley’s career came with the 2018 film Wild Rose, a story that perfectly blended her acting and musical abilities.
In the film, Buckley plays Rose-Lynn Harlan, a Scottish ex-convict and single mother who dreams of becoming a country music star in Nashville. Her performance was nothing short of electrifying. She performed all her own songs, bringing both grit and tenderness to the role.
The movie, directed by Tom Harper and written by Nicole Taylor, became an instant critical success. Buckley’s portrayal earned her nominations from the BAFTA Awards, British Independent Film Awards, and London Critics’ Circle Film Awards.
Her rendition of the song “Glasgow (No Place Like Home)” — written by Mary Steenburgen — became an anthem of self-discovery and resilience. Even years later, Wild Rose remains a defining role in Buckley’s career, showcasing her rare ability to blend emotional depth with musical authenticity.
Exploring Complexity: The Lost Daughter (2021)
In 2021, Jessie Buckley reached a new level of critical recognition with her performance in Maggie Gyllenhaal’s directorial debut, The Lost Daughter.
The film, based on the novel by Elena Ferrante, stars Olivia Colman as Leda Caruso, a woman grappling with her past decisions as a mother. Buckley plays the younger version of Leda, capturing her restless energy and emotional turmoil with startling honesty.
Her work in the film earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress — her first Oscar nod. Critics praised her nuanced performance, noting how she conveyed the contradictions of motherhood and identity with both empathy and restraint.
This role solidified Buckley’s reputation as an actress who thrives in psychologically layered material, unafraid to portray flawed yet deeply human characters.
Power and Poise: Women Talking (2022)
Jessie Buckley continued her streak of acclaimed performances with the ensemble drama Women Talking (2022), directed by Sarah Polley.
The film, based on the novel by Miriam Toews, follows a group of women in a remote Mennonite colony as they confront years of abuse and decide whether to stay or leave their community. Buckley played Mariche Loewen, a fiercely opinionated woman torn between loyalty, fear, and survival.
While the ensemble included powerhouse actors like Rooney Mara, Claire Foy, and Frances McDormand, Buckley’s performance stood out for its intensity and realism.
Women Talking went on to win the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay and was widely celebrated for its performances, direction, and timely message.
Fearless Choices: Men (2022)
In the same year, Buckley took a bold step into the world of psychological horror with Alex Garland’s Men.
In this eerie and symbolic film, she plays Harper, a woman who retreats to the English countryside to heal from personal tragedy, only to be haunted by a series of disturbing encounters.
The movie polarized audiences, but Buckley’s fearless performance drew universal praise. She carried the film’s surreal and emotionally charged story almost single-handedly, proving her ability to command the screen in any genre.
Small Screen Success: Fargo (2023)
Buckley’s brilliance wasn’t confined to the big screen. In 2023, she joined the cast of the hit FX anthology series Fargo, starring in Season 5 as Dot Lyon, a seemingly ordinary Midwestern housewife with a dark secret.
Her performance combined the show’s trademark dark humor with powerful emotional undertones. Critics hailed her as one of the standout performers of the season, praising her ability to blend vulnerability and quiet strength.
Buckley’s portrayal earned nominations for both Emmy and Golden Globe Awards, proving that her magnetic screen presence translates seamlessly to television.
Return to the Stage: Cabaret Revival (2024–2025)
Beyond film and television, Jessie Buckley remains a commanding presence on stage. From 2024 through 2025, she starred as Sally Bowles in the critically acclaimed London West End revival of Cabaret, opposite Eddie Redmayne as the Emcee.
Her performance redefined the iconic role, balancing fragility with fierce energy. Critics described her as “spellbinding” and “unlike any Sally Bowles before her.”
Buckley’s live renditions of “Maybe This Time” and “Cabaret” left audiences in awe, and the production went on to receive multiple Olivier Award nominations. Her work reaffirmed her place among the great contemporary stage performers.
Music Career and Artistic Identity
In addition to her acting, Jessie Buckley has continued to nurture her music career. In 2022, she collaborated with musician Bernard Butler (formerly of Suede) on the album For All Our Days That Tear the Heart.
The record, which blends folk, jazz, and soulful storytelling, received widespread critical acclaim and was nominated for the Mercury Prize.
Buckley’s music showcases the same emotional honesty that defines her screen work — poetic, introspective, and profoundly human.
Upcoming Projects (2025 and Beyond)
As of late 2025, Jessie Buckley shows no signs of slowing down. Her upcoming projects promise to showcase even more of her range and artistic courage.
Hamnet (2025)
Perhaps the most anticipated of her upcoming films, Hamnet is set to release on December 25, 2025. Directed by Chloé Zhao, the movie is based on Maggie O’Farrell’s award-winning novel about the life of William Shakespeare’s family.
Buckley stars as Agnes Hathaway, Shakespeare’s wife, opposite Paul Mescal as the famed playwright. The story explores love, loss, and creativity in 16th-century England and is already generating early Oscar buzz for both leads.
The Odyssey (TBA)
Buckley is also attached to star in a modern reimagining of Homer’s The Odyssey, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. The film will blend myth and contemporary storytelling, offering another complex and ambitious role for Buckley.
Music Projects
In addition to her acting roles, Buckley is reportedly working on her second studio album, collaborating once again with Bernard Butler. Fans are eagerly awaiting its release, expected sometime in 2026.
Awards and Honors
Throughout her career, Jessie Buckley has been recognized by some of the most prestigious award bodies in the entertainment industry.
Highlights include:
- Academy Award Nomination: The Lost Daughter (2021)
- BAFTA Nomination: Wild Rose (2018)
- Olivier Award Nomination: Cabaret (2024)
- Golden Globe Nomination: Fargo (2023)
- Emmy Nomination: Fargo (2023)
- Mercury Prize Nomination: For All Our Days That Tear the Heart (2022)
These accolades underscore not only her talent but also her ability to move seamlessly between acting and music, stage and screen.
Jessie Buckley’s Artistic Legacy
What sets Jessie Buckley apart from many of her peers is her willingness to take creative risks. She gravitates toward roles that challenge both herself and her audience — characters who are complicated, flawed, and fully human.
Her performances often explore themes of identity, creativity, and emotional truth. Whether she’s portraying a Scottish dreamer in Wild Rose, a tormented mother in The Lost Daughter, or a defiant survivor in Women Talking, Buckley brings an authenticity that feels both grounded and transcendent.
She has become a symbol of modern artistry — a performer driven not by fame but by the pursuit of honest storytelling.
From Wild Rose to Hamnet, Jessie Buckley’s filmography is a masterclass in versatility and emotion. With her fearless approach to every role, she has redefined what it means to be a modern actor — balancing art, music, and authenticity in equal measure.
Which of Jessie Buckley’s movies or TV shows is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments below and stay tuned for more updates on her upcoming projects!