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Zhao's Irish Connection Fuels Hamnet BAFTA Win
23 Feb
Summary
- Director Chloe Zhao feels a personal connection to Ireland's culture.
- Hamnet won two Bafta awards, including outstanding British film.
- Jessie Buckley won best actress for her role in Hamnet.
Director Chloe Zhao revealed a deep, personal connection to Ireland that influenced her work on the critically acclaimed film "Hamnet." Speaking at the 2026 Bafta film awards, where "Hamnet" received the outstanding British film award, Zhao shared how the land and culture of Ireland contributed to the film's unique spirit. "There's some energy in it that came from her part of the world," Zhao stated, referring to the novel's Irish author, Maggie O'Farrell.
The film, which has been lauded for showcasing Irish talent, is based on O'Farrell's award-winning novel. Actors Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, both Irish, star in the production. Buckley portrays Shakespeare's wife, Agnes Hathaway, in the story focusing on the family's life after a personal tragedy. O'Farrell, originally from Coleraine in Northern Ireland, humorously noted Zhao's casting process, while Zhao herself described making "Hamnet" as a transformative, life-changing experience.
Alongside the outstanding British film award, Killarney-native Jessie Buckley received the best actress award for her performance. Meanwhile, Dublin-born Paul Mescal, who has garnered multiple nominations this awards season for his role in "Hamnet," is yet to secure a win for his performance. Buckley, however, is considered a strong contender for the upcoming Oscars.
