Jessie Buckley Talks Dressing Up and Dreaming Big at the BFI & Chanel Filmmaker Awards
Jessie Buckley is proving that fashion and creativity go hand in hand. The Oscar-winning actress recently joined the BFI and CHANEL Filmmaker Awards in London, where conversations about personal style, artistic expression, and the future of filmmaking took center stage.
Held at Claridge’s on October 14, 2026, the event celebrated emerging British filmmakers who are ready to push creative boundaries. Buckley joined actress Gwendoline Christie and other industry figures on the jury, helping recognize fresh talent and ambitious storytelling. Beyond the awards themselves, Buckley also shared her thoughts on fashion and why dressing up can be about much more than appearance.
Jessie Buckley Celebrates Fashion as Self-Expression
For Jessie Buckley, getting dressed is not simply about following trends or wearing designer labels. It is another way to express personality, explore creativity, and discover new sides of herself.
Speaking about her relationship with fashion, Buckley highlighted the connection between clothing and other art forms, including music, poetry, and film. For the actress, these creative influences help her see the world differently and connect with ideas she might not otherwise have considered.
Her perspective reflects a growing appreciation for fashion that feels personal rather than purely trend-driven. An outfit can tell a story, communicate confidence, or create a particular feeling without saying a single word.
Buckley also praised CHANEL creative director Matthieu Blazy for bringing a sense of energy and enjoyment to fashion. She appreciates designs that feel alive and allow women to express themselves rather than focusing exclusively on conventional ideas of beauty.
A Sophisticated Look With a Personal Touch
For the awards event, Buckley wore a black, ecru, and white silk-knit top paired with a black viscose skirt and heels from CHANEL’s Autumn/Winter 2026 collection. Subtle Coco Crush jewellery completed the look, giving the outfit a polished finish without making it feel overly elaborate.
The look reflected her preference for clothing that balances elegance with individuality. Rather than relying on excessive embellishment, the combination used contrasting shades, thoughtful textures, and understated accessories to create a sophisticated appearance.
Buckley has previously spoken about how the right outfit can change the way she feels. Recalling her Grace Kelly-inspired pink-and-red gown at the 2026 Academy Awards, she described feeling joyful, colourful, intelligent, and strong.
Her comments offer a refreshing reminder that fashion should not be about changing yourself to fit an outfit. Instead, the best clothes can help you feel more comfortable and confident in your own identity.
Supporting the Next Generation of Filmmakers
While fashion added a glamorous dimension to the occasion, the central purpose of the BFI and CHANEL Filmmaker Awards was to support emerging creative talent.
Four filmmakers were selected as the 2026 award recipients: Rich Felgate, Olive Nwosu, Imran Perretta, and Rachel Taparjan. Each received a £20,000 bursary to develop their work, explore new ideas, and take creative risks.
Their projects cover a range of subjects, demonstrating the diversity of stories being told by independent filmmakers. The awards aim to give promising talent the resources and encouragement needed to build their careers.
Buckley expressed enthusiasm about discovering new voices and hearing the stories that emerging filmmakers want to tell. She also acknowledged the risks involved in pursuing filmmaking at a time when creative careers can be challenging to establish.
Her involvement underlines the importance of creating opportunities for artists who may not yet have the industry recognition or financial backing enjoyed by more established names.
Why the Event Matters Beyond the Red Carpet
The BFI and CHANEL Filmmaker Awards bring together two creative worlds that have influenced one another for decades. Fashion helps establish the visual identity of films, while cinema has long inspired designers, actors, and audiences.
Buckley’s appearance captured that relationship beautifully. Her approach to dressing reflects the same curiosity and openness that she brings to her acting, while her role on the jury highlights her commitment to supporting new artistic voices.
Ultimately, her message is about more than beautiful clothes or a glamorous London event. It is about allowing people the freedom to experiment, dream bigger, and express themselves without feeling restricted by expectations.
As the winners begin developing their next projects, the awards offer a reminder that creativity needs both imagination and opportunity. And, as Jessie Buckley demonstrates, whether through fashion or filmmaking, the most memorable expressions of creativity often begin with the courage to be yourself.
