United Kingdom, Feb. 1 -- Jessie Buckley says her role in Hamnet has been "life-changing".

The 36-year-old star is hotly-tipped to win the Best Actress Oscar for her portrayal of William Shakespeare's wife Agnes Hathaway in Chloe Zhao's movie and confessed that she didn't expect so much acclaim for her performance in the film.

Speaking at an event the BFI Southbank in London, Jessie said: "I don't think you have any idea of an aftermath before you start, never, and if you do, you know that it's going to be the opposite of what you think it's going to be.

"So just better not think about it all. No, I mean, I had an emotional reaction when I read the book first.

"I think we (the cast) all felt like making it was such a special experienc...