Hamnet premieres at Telluride

Chloé Zhao's Hamnet debuts at Telluride to strong reviews and Oscar buzz for Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal.

Hamnet shines at Telluride with Buckley and Mescal in Oscar contention

Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet had its world premiere at the Telluride Film Festival with Zhao on stage alongside Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal. The drama, based on Maggie O’Farrell’s novel, follows William Shakespeare and his wife after the loss of their son Hamnet. The 125 minute film drew a packed theater and early praise for its emotional pull, with Buckley and Mescal cited as among the year’s strongest performers in a leading role.

Distributed by Focus Features, Hamnet is set to screen at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 7, with a limited release on November 27 and a wider expansion on December 12. The project is highlighted for its craftsmanship, including production design, cinematography, editing, sound, and a score by Max Richter. Buckley, a former nominee for The Lost Daughter, is seen as a likely lead actress contender, while Mescal’s turn as Shakespeare adds to his growing awards profile.

The Telluride premiere places Hamnet within a broader trend of prestige dramas that blend literary source material with intimate performances. Zhao’s status as a trailblazing director adds weight to the campaign, and Buckley and Mescal are positioned to lead a strong acting slate. Festival warmth can shape early momentum, yet campaigns still hinge on broad audience resonance beyond festival rooms.

However, the film faces a crowded awards field this season, and Focus Features must balance expectations with practical release timing and campaign strategy. The risk is mistaking festival acclaim for long-term nomination momentum if the film does not connect with wider audiences. Still, Hamnet’s blend of technical craft and emotional core keeps it well positioned to linger through the awards race.

Highlights

The festival season has only begun and Hamnet may set a pace others chase.