The film «Hamnet» is currently leading the pack as one of the most prominent cinematic works during this year’s awards season, reflecting a growing presence of the United Arab Emirates in the global film industry through RedBird IMI, a company affiliated with the IMI Group.
Based on the acclaimed novel by Maggie O’Farrell, the film delivers a moving human story drawn from the life of English writer William Shakespeare, focusing on the experience of losing his only son, Hamnet and the impact of this tragedy on his subsequent creative work, particularly his play «Hamlet.»
«Hamnet» has already garnered significant recognition, winning Best Film – Drama at the 2026 AARP Movie Awards. Irish actress and singer Jessie Buckley also received the award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama. The film’s success highlights the increasing international attention on productions with roots in the UAE’s burgeoning film sector, and has been gaining accolades at festivals and events since its limited release in November 2025.
Story and Cast of «Hamnet»
«Hamnet» falls into the drama, historical, and biographical genres. It was directed by Chloe Zhao, who co-wrote the screenplay with Maggie O’Farrell. The film is based on O’Farrell’s novel of the same name, which was first published in 2020.
The film premiered at the 52nd Telluride Film Festival in August 2025. It then had a limited theatrical release in the United States and Canada in November 2025, expanding on December 5th of the same year. Universal Pictures released the film in the United Kingdom on January 9th.
Critics have widely praised the film, and the American Film Institute included it on its list of the ten best films of 2025.
The story unfolds after the death of young Hamnet from the plague, the only son of Agnes and William Shakespeare. The film explores the couple’s grief in 16th-century England, as Agnes, a healer, strives to care for her surviving children while grappling with the loss of her son.
The film stars Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, Zach Wishart, James Lintorn, Justin Mitchell, Joe Alwyn, and David Wilmot.
Awards and Recognition for «Hamnet»
Despite being released just a few months ago, «Hamnet» has already received numerous nominations and awards from film festivals and events around the world.
Notable awards include:
Best Film – AARP Movie Awards.
Best Actress Jessie Buckley – Alliance of Women Film Journalists.
Best Adapted Screenplay for Chloe Zhao and Maggie O’Farrell – Alliance of Women Film Journalists.
Best Director for Chloe Zhao – Alliance of Women Film Journalists.
Included on the American Film Institute’s list of the ten best films of 2025.
Best Actress – Drama Jessie Buckley – Astra Film Awards.
Best Young Performer Jacobi Jupe.
Audience Award for Best Feature Film – London Film Festival.
Best Actress Jessie Buckley – Critics’ Choice Movie Awards.
Best Actress Jessie Buckley – Georgia Film Critics Association.
Best Motion Picture – Drama – Golden Globe Awards.
Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama Jessie Buckley – Golden Globe Awards.
Audience Award for Best Feature Film – Middleburg Film Festival.
Best Actress Jessie Buckley – New York Film Critics Online.
Best Actress Jessie Buckley – San Diego Film Critics Society.
Best Film – San Diego International Film Festival.
Audience Choice: Best Film – San Diego International Film Festival.
Best Actress in a Leading Role Jessie Buckley – Seattle Film Critics Society.
Best Youth Performance – Seattle Film Critics Society.
Best Actress Jessie Buckley – Southeastern Film Critics Association.
Best Actress Jessie Buckley – St. Louis Film Critics Association.
People’s Choice Award – Toronto International Film Festival.
Audience Award – Valladolid International Film Festival.
Audience Award for Best Feature Film – Virginia Film Festival.
Best Actress Jessie Buckley – Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association.
Best Film Directed by a Woman for Chloe Zhao – Women Film Critics Circle.
Best Actress Jessie Buckley – Women Film Critics Circle.
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