The Devil In Me Game Dev Celebrates Star’s Win At The Oscars: Jessie Buckley’s Best Actress Victory Explained

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Jessie Buckley, an Irish actress known for her standout performances, has just earned the 2026 Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the film Hamnet. This achievement is not only a personal triumph for Buckley, but also a proud moment for the video game studio Supermassive Games, which worked with her on The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me. In this comprehensive article, we delve into Buckley’s awards journey, her connection to The Devil in Me, and how the game’s developer celebrated her Oscar win.

We’ll also explore the cast and characters of The Devil in Me, the game’s inspiration from the infamous “Murder Castle” of H.H. Holmes, and what’s next for Supermassive’s horror anthology series. Finally, we address some frequently asked questions and provide key sources for further reading.

Let’s dive into the details of Jessie Buckley’s Oscar victory and its unique link to the world of gaming.

Yelzkizi The Devil In Me Game Dev Celebrates Star’s Win At The Oscars: Jessie Buckley’s Best Actress Victory Explained

Jessie Buckley Oscars 2026 Best Actress win for Hamnet

At the 98th Academy Awards in March 2026, Jessie Buckley won Best Actress for her role as Agnes Shakespeare in the drama Hamnet. This marked her first win and second nomination. Her performance, centered on the grief of losing a young son, was described as emotionally powerful. During her acceptance speech, which fell on U.K. Mother’s Day, she dedicated the award to mothers and the lineage of creative women. She beat a competitive field including Rose Byrne, Renate Reinsve, Kate Hudson, and Emma Stone. Buckley made history as the first Irish woman to win in the Best Actress category, capping off a successful awards season.

Supermassive Games congratulates Jessie Buckley on Oscar win

Supermassive Games, the developer of The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me, publicly celebrated Buckley’s victory. Having starred as the lead in their game, the studio expressed pride in her achievement on social media, noting she would need a “new trophy cabinet” for her sweep of the BAFTAs, Critics’ Choice, Golden Globes, SAG, and Oscars. The studio emphasized that they still consider her part of their “family,” highlighting the rare crossover of a video game performer winning an Academy Award.

Who is Jessie Buckley in The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me

Buckley made her video game debut in the 2022 interactive horror title The Devil in Me as the protagonist Kate Wilder. Already an acclaimed film actress at the time, she was the game’s primary star and marketing focus. In the story, Kate is an investigative journalist hosting a documentary series called Architects of Murder. She is one of five playable characters, characterized by her intelligence and determination. To date, this remains Buckley’s only appearance in a video game.

Kate Wilder in The Devil in Me character and performance details

Kate Wilder is a journalist with a background in criminal psychology who leads a film crew to a replica of H.H. Holmes’ “Murder Castle.” Buckley provided the voice and motion capture, navigating the challenges of a branching narrative where she had to deliver multiple emotional variations for different story paths. Buckley described the technical process of wearing a motion-capture rig as feeling like a “cycling helmet with a huge beak.” Despite the lack of physical sets, she treated the role with the same commitment as a film, resulting in a nuanced, empathetic performance that anchored the game’s life-or-death stakes.

The Devil in Me cast members and real actors behind the characters

The game features an ensemble cast of established actors:

Kate Wilder: Jessie Buckley (Journalist/Host)
Charles “Charlie” Lonnit: Paul Kaye (Director)
Mark Nestor: Fehinti Balogun (Cameraman)
Jamie Tiergan: Gloria Obianyo (Lighting Technician)
Erin Keenan: Nikki Patel (Sound Intern)
The antagonist is Granthem Du’Met, a killer inspired by H.H. Holmes. The cast’s chemistry and high-quality performances helped create a cinematic, “slasher-flick” atmosphere consistent with Supermassive Games’ tradition of using Hollywood talent.

The Devil in Me developer Supermassive Games latest news and updates

Supermassive Games, based in Guildford, England, was fully acquired by Nordisk Games in 2022. Recent projects include the 2022 standalone title The Quarry and the PS VR2 shooter Switchback VR. The studio is currently working on “Season Two” of The Dark Pictures Anthology, starting with the sci-fi horror title Directive 8020. The studio continues to grow and receive industry recognition for its innovation in interactive narrative storytelling and audio design.

The Devil in Me release date and platforms (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC)

The Devil in Me was released on November 18, 2022. It serves as the Season One finale of the anthology. The game was made available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Windows/Steam), as well as PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. It features both single-player and cooperative multiplayer modes across all platforms.

Why The Devil in Me is linked to H. H. Holmes and the “Murder Castle”

The game’s plot is inspired by H.H. Holmes, often called America’s first serial killer, who operated a “Murder Castle” hotel during the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. In the game, a modern-day killer lures a documentary crew to a remote island featuring a replica of this hotel filled with deadly traps. The title references a quote attributed to Holmes. The developers chose Holmes because his history blends fact and myth, providing a “mythological” and terrifying foundation for a contemporary horror story centered on a copycat murderer.

Hamnet movie plot and Jessie Buckley role as Agnes Shakespeare

Hamnet, directed by Chloé Zhao and co-written by Maggie O’Farrell, is a period drama adapted from O’Farrell’s 2020 novel. The film stars Jessie Buckley as Agnes (Anne) Hathaway Shakespeare and Paul Mescal as William Shakespeare. Set in the 16th century, the plot focuses on the intuitive and mystical Agnes as she navigates the courtship and family life of the Shakespeares in Stratford-upon-Avon.

The narrative’s heart is the tragic death of their 11-year-old son, Hamnet, from the plague, and the profound grief that follows. The film posits that this loss inspired Shakespeare to write Hamlet. Buckley’s performance, described as “devastating” and “witchy,” anchors the film’s emotional weight. The climax features Agnes watching a performance of Hamlet in London, realizing the play serves as a heartbreaking tribute to their son. The film features a supporting cast including Emily Watson, Joe Alwyn, and a score by Max Richter.

Jessie Buckley awards season sweep before the Oscars (BAFTA, Golden Globes, Critics Choice)

Prior to her Oscar win, Jessie Buckley achieved a “grand slam” of acting awards for her role in Hamnet. Her 2025–2026 season included winning Best Actress at the Golden Globes and the Critics’ Choice Awards. She made history at the SAG Awards as the first Irish performer to win Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role, dedicating the honor to co-star Emily Watson. She also became the first Irish woman to win the BAFTA for Best Leading Actress. These precursor victories made her the heavy favorite going into the Academy Awards. Supermassive Games celebrated her “sweep” on social media, jokingly suggesting she would need a new trophy cabinet for her collection of honors.

Supermassive Games social media post about Jessie Buckley Oscar (LinkedIn/X/Instagram)

Following Buckley’s Oscar win, Supermassive Games posted across LinkedIn, X (Twitter), Instagram, and Threads to congratulate their former collaborator. The posts highlighted her role as Kate Wilder in The Devil in Me and celebrated her “amazing award season” sweep of the BAFTAs, Critics’ Choice, Golden Globes, and SAG Awards. The studio used a consistent tone of pride, including a recurring joke about her needing a “new trophy cabinet.” These posts garnered significant engagement from the gaming community and served to link her mainstream cinematic success back to her work in the horror title.

The Dark Pictures Anthology games in order and where The Devil in Me fits

The Dark Pictures Anthology is a series of standalone cinematic horror games. The Devil in Me (2022) serves as the fourth entry and the “season one finale” of the series. The chronological release order is:

Man of Medan (2019)
Little Hope (2020)
House of Ashes (2021)
The Devil in Me (2022)
All four games are tied together by the narrator known as The Curator. The Devil in Me introduced new mechanics like character inventories and served as a bridge to “Season Two,” which begins with the upcoming sci-fi title Directive 8020. While part of a series, The Devil in Me remains a standalone story that does not require knowledge of previous entries.

Directive 8020 next Dark Pictures game after The Devil in Me

Directive 8020 is the fifth game in the anthology and the premiere of Season Two. Shifting from historical horror to science fiction, it is set aboard the colonization ship Cassiopeia, which crash-lands on the planet Tau Ceti f. The game stars Lashana Lynch as Commander Brianna Young. The plot involves a “trust no one” scenario where the crew is hunted by an alien organism capable of mimicking humans. It is designed as a next-gen survival horror title for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, featuring a “Turning Points” story tree and the ability to rewind decisions. The game is scheduled for release on May 12, 2026.

Is Jessie Buckley the first Irish Best Actress Oscar winner

Yes, Jessie Buckley’s win for Hamnet in 2026 made her the first Irish person to ever win the Academy Award for Best Actress. While Irish actors like Brenda Fricker had won in supporting categories, and others like Saoirse Ronan had been nominated, the lead actress category remained an uncrossed threshold until Buckley’s victory. Hailing from Killarney, her achievement was celebrated as a historic milestone by the Irish media, the Irish Film and Television Academy (IFTA), and President Michael D. Higgins. Her victory is seen as a landmark moment that provides global recognition for Irish talent in leading cinematic roles.

How video game performance capture roles help actors win major film awards

The crossover between video games and film has become a significant factor in modern acting careers. While Jessie Buckley’s Oscar for Hamnet resulted from her film work, her experience with performance capture likely enriched her craft. There are several ways these roles assist actors:

Expanded Acting Range and Skill: Performance capture requires actors to convey deep emotion without traditional sets or costumes, often using a “cycling helmet” camera rig. Buckley noted that The Devil in Me involved a 300-page branching script, requiring intense emotional focus that translates well to film.
Visibility and Fan Base: Games introduce actors to a wider global audience. For example, Rami Malek starred in Supermassive’s Until Dawn years before winning an Oscar for Bohemian Rhapsody. Supermassive noted that Buckley is the latest alum to achieve this “double” success.
Deep Character Exploration: Interactive dramas allow actors to explore multiple versions of a scene—such as a character being brave in one choice and terrified in another—which builds “emotional muscles” for complex film roles.
Industry Respect: The stigma against voice and motion-capture work is fading. Oscar-caliber actors like Mads Mikkelsen and Keanu Reeves now take game roles, and casting directors increasingly value this diverse experience.
Confidence and Risk-Taking: The experimental nature of gaming encourages actors to take bold risks in their film career choices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What character did Jessie Buckley play in The Devil in Me, and how is she involved in the game?
Jessie Buckley portrayed Kate Wilder, an investigative journalist and one of the five main playable characters. She provided both the voice and motion-capture performance in what was her video game debut.
Did starring in The Devil in Me help Jessie Buckley win the Oscar for Hamnet?
Not directly, but it broadened her acting skills and versatility. She is the second Supermassive Games alum to win an Oscar, following Rami Malek.
What is the movie Hamnet about, and who does Buckley play in it?
Hamnet is a historical drama about Shakespeare’s family. Buckley plays his wife, Agnes Shakespeare, navigating the tragic death of their son, Hamnet, which later inspires the play Hamlet.
What other awards did Jessie Buckley win for Hamnet before the Oscar?
She achieved a “clean sweep,” winning a Golden Globe, Critics’ Choice Award, BAFTA, and a SAG Award.
Who are the other main cast members in The Devil in Me and which actors play them?
The cast includes Paul Kaye (Charlie), Fehinti Balogun (Mark), Gloria Obianyo (Jamie), and Nikki Patel (Erin). The antagonist, Granthem Du’Met, was performed by Abdul Salis.
Is The Devil in Me based on a true story?
It is inspired by the real 19th-century serial killer H.H. Holmes and his “Murder Castle,” but the story of the modern documentary crew is fictional.
Do I need to play the earlier Dark Pictures games before The Devil in Me?
No. Each game in the anthology is a standalone story with its own characters and plot.
What is the order of release for the Dark Pictures Anthology, and what’s next?
The order is: 1) Man of Medan, 2) Little Hope, 3) House of Ashes, and 4) The Devil in Me. The next game is Directive 8020, set in space.
When was The Devil in Me released and on what platforms can I play it?
Released on November 18, 2022, it is available on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC.
How did Supermassive Games celebrate Jessie Buckley’s Oscar win?
They posted across X, LinkedIn, and Instagram, calling her “our star” and jokingly noting she would need a “new trophy cabinet” for her many awards.

Conclusion

Jessie Buckley’s journey from a video game protagonist to an Academy Award winner demonstrates how talent transcends mediums. Her win is a landmark for Supermassive Games and the industry, proving that the lines between Hollywood and gaming are blurring. As Buckley moves forward in her career and Supermassive prepares for Directive 8020, the synergy between cinematic acting and interactive storytelling continues to grow, ensuring that high-quality performances are recognized whether they occur on a motion-capture stage or a film set..