Paul Mescal truly embraced his authenticity at the Oscars 2026. The star of "Hamnet" couldn't hold back his emotions when his co-star Jessie Buckley was announced as the Best Actress at the March 15 ceremony, hosted by Conan O'Brien.
As Mikey Madison introduced this year's nominees, including "Bugonia's" Emma Stone, "Song Sung Blue's" Kate Hudson, "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You's" Rose Byrne, and "Sentimental Value's" Renate Reinsve, an anxiously gazing Paul sat one row behind Jessie with his clasped hands resting in front of his mouth. However, as soon as Jessie's name was called out, he adorably pumped his fists in the air and let out an enthusiastic shout. Jumping up from his seat next to girlfriend Gracie Abrams, the "Normal People" alum then greeted Jessie with a warm embrace.
The love was mutual. After all, Jessie once told Paul, "I could drink you like water." "I bloody love you, man," the 36-year-old raved to Paul, 30, when she won at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards in January. "I know loads of other women do too, but tough s--t."
Jessie continued at the time, "You are a giant of the heart. Thank you so much for making me a little bit more human." The "Lost Daughter" actress, who is married to healthcare worker Freddie Sorensen, later clarified what she meant by her effusive comments about Paul.
"He is essential to what I need and what I've discovered as an actor is possible in our work," she explained to reporters backstage at the 2026 Golden Globes, where she also won an acting award for her performance in the Chloé Zhao period piece. "He brings you to the core of your humanity, and once you know what that is—it becomes like water."
