“Hamnet,” the tragic story of William Shakespeare and his wife that’s become a major contender at the Oscars this year, is coming to Peacock on March 6, just in time to watch before the awards show.
Director Chloe Zhao’s film stars Paul Mescal as Shakespeare, but the real star is Jessie Buckley as his wife Anne. Buckley won the Golden Globe for best actress in a drama film and is up for best lead actress at this weekend’s Actor Awards and next month’s Oscars. She also took home the BAFTA award last weekend and the Critics Choice award for her role.
“Hamnet” follows the tragic backstory of Shakespeare’s family and what inspired him to write “Hamlet.” Their three children, Hamnet, Judith and Susanna, are played by Jacobi Jupe, Olivia Lynes and Bodhi Rae Breathnach. The rest of the cast includes Emily Watson as William’s mother, David Wilmot as his father and Joe Alwyn as Anne’s brother. The film is based on author Maggie O’Farrell’s 2020 novel of the same name.
“Hamnet” is nominated for eight Oscars, including best picture, best director for Zhao, actress in a leading role for Buckley, adapted screenplay of Zhao and O’Farrell’s script, costume design, achievement in casting, original score and production design. At this Sunday’s Actor Awards, the film is up for best ensemble, lead actress and lead actor for Mescal.
Buckley heads into next month’s Academy Awards against Rose Byrne (“If I Had Legs I’d Kick You”), Kate Hudson (“Song Sung Blue”), Renate Reinsve (“Sentimental Value”) and Emma Stone (“Bugonia”).