After the expansive superhero canvas of The Eternals, Chloé Zhao returns to her lyrical, character-driven filmmaking roots with Hamnet, an adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s acclaimed novel. The film is already being hailed as a major 2026 Oscar contender, with critics and awards analysts buzzing months ahead of its release.
What’s the Story?
Hamnet is a fictionalized retelling of the death of William Shakespeare’s only son, Hamnet, and the profound impact on his family — particularly his wife, Agnes Hathaway. The narrative explores how Hamnet’s loss is believed to have inspired some of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies, including Hamlet. By focusing on grief, love, and artistic transformation, Zhao offers a soulful portrait of family and legacy.
Cast and Crew
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Director: Chloé Zhao (Nomadland, The Rider, The Eternals)
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Leads: Jessie Buckley as Agnes Hathaway, Paul Mescal as William Shakespeare
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Supporting Cast: Emily Watson and Joe Alwyn
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Source Material: Based on Maggie O’Farrell’s award-winning novel
Both Buckley and Mescal are riding high from recent Oscar nominations (The Lost Daughter and Aftersun, respectively), bringing significant awards heat to the project.
Release Date
Hamnet will premiere in theaters Thanksgiving 2025, positioning it squarely in the heart of awards season.
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Awards Buzz
According to Gold Derby’s prediction charts, Hamnet is already a top 10 Best Picture contender, while Zhao herself ranks No. 4 among Best Director hopefuls.
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Jessie Buckley is especially strong in the race, currently second in Best Actress odds, just behind Julia Roberts (After the Hunt).
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Paul Mescal has more modest momentum, sitting at No. 15 in Best Actor predictions.
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The film’s technical achievements, including cinematography and adapted screenplay, are also expected to generate attention.
Why It Matters
Hamnet represents Zhao’s return to poetic, intimate storytelling, reminiscent of The Rider and Nomadland, but set against the sweeping countrysides of England. Its combination of literary pedigree, powerhouse performances, and Zhao’s visual mastery makes it a prime candidate for both critical acclaim and audience resonance.
If early buzz is any indication, Hamnet may follow the path of Nomadland, bringing Zhao back to the center of the Academy Awards conversation.
