Hamnet is a 2025 biographical period film directed by Chloé Zhao, who co-wrote the screenplay with Maggie O'Farrell, based on the 2020 novel by O'Farrell. The film dramatises the family life of William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes Hathaway as they cope with the death of their 11-year-old son Hamnet. It stars Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal as Agnes and William, alongside Emily Watson, Joe Alwyn, and Noah Jupe in supporting roles.
Hamnet had its world premiere at the 52nd Telluride Film Festival on 29 August 2025 and received a limited theatrical release by Focus Features in the United States and Canada on 26 November. It received a wide theatrical release on 5 December and was released by Universal Pictures in the United Kingdom on 9 January 2026. Critical reception was positive, with Buckley's performance receiving particular praise. It was listed among the top ten films of 2025 by the American Film Institute. The film won Best Motion Picture â Drama and Best Actress in a Motion Picture â Drama for Buckley at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards. At the 79th British Academy Film Awards, the film won Outstanding British Film as well as Best Actress in a Leading Role for Buckley. It was also nominated in eight categories at the 98th Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actress for Buckley.