Toronto: Hamnet, a devastating period drama exploring the life of William Shakespeare and his family, claimed the top honor Sunday at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
Directed by Chloe Zhao, who won an Academy Award for Nomadland in 2020, the film stars Paul Mescal as Shakespeare and Jessie Buckley as his wife Agnes. Set in Elizabethan England, it portrays Shakespeare’s struggle to establish himself as a playwright while Agnes endures the dangers of plague and childbirth.
The movie, adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s acclaimed novel, imagines the untold story behind the Shakespeares’ marriage and family life. Zhao described the book as “like a poem,” noting how it gave her space to explore themes of love, separation, and resilience. The narrative suggests Agnes encouraged William to move to London and pursue theater, believing their bond could withstand the distance.
Central to the story is their son, Hamnet, whose name scholars say sounded identical to Hamlet during Shakespeare’s time. The emotional depth of the family’s tragedy resonates as both intimate and universal.
Unlike Venice or Cannes, TIFF’s People’s Choice Award is determined by audiences rather than a jury. Historically, the prize has pointed toward eventual Oscar winners, with Green Book and Nomadland among past recipients, although its predictive power has varied in recent years.
This win places Hamnet firmly in the early Academy Awards conversation, boosted by strong critical reviews and its public endorsement in Toronto.
Second prize went to Guillermo del Toro’s lush Frankenstein adaptation, while Daniel Craig’s latest whodunit, Wake Up Dead Man, secured third. The top documentary award went to The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue, following an Israeli ex-soldier’s mission during the October 7 Hamas attacks. Meanwhile, TIFF’s new International People’s Choice Award was awarded to No Other Choice by South Korean director Park Chan-wook.
