In the ever-shifting Oscar landscape, HAMNET has pulled off the biggest move in a month: overtaking what had seemed to be the prohibitive favorite, Paul Thomas Anderson’s ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER, in the Gold Derby odds for predicted Best Picture nominees.
The Shakespeare-inspired drama now leads the pack by a narrow margin, with a 96.8 percent chance to be nominated, compared to 95.8 percent for ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER. Directed by Oscar winner Chloé Zhao, HAMNET is a deeply emotional dramatization of the real-world circumstances that may have inspired William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, and the Focus Features film, starring Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley, has been on a remarkable trajectory since its festival debut.
The film occupied the top slot in September after its warm reception at the Telluride Film Festival, followed by winning the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival, but in early October, Anderson’s film surged to number one following a strong opening weekend and had held the spot until this past weekend. The two films are both considered locks for nominations and expected to be competing for top prizes throughout awards season, though the race is playing out differently across various categories.
For the predicted Best Director field, Anderson still has the lead over Zhao, while in the acting categories, Buckley leads the predicted Best Actress nominees and Leonardo DiCaprio continues to dominate Best Actor predictions for ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER. Despite HAMNET’s strong showing in Best Picture predictions, both Zhao and Mescal were overlooked in recent predictions for director and supporting acting categories, suggesting the film’s path to Oscar glory may be more complicated than its current frontrunner status suggests. HAMNET could see another boost when it opens nationwide on November 27, potentially widening its lead in what is shaping up to be a very close race just two months before the January 22 Oscar nominations, when voters will finally reveal whether this Shakespeare-inspired drama can maintain its momentum or if Anderson’s latest work will reclaim its crown.
Andrew Scott is heading to @tiff_net!
ELSINORE, Scott`s biographical drama about legendary actor Ian Charleson, has landed a Special Presentations slot at TIFF 2026, starring alongside Olivia Coleman.
Full details via link in bio 🔗︎
Who loves truly scary horror?
Ahead of its release, Irish director Damian McCarthy (hows_themovie_goin) talks the art of scaring the bejesus out of his audiences.
New interview via 🔗︎ in bio.
Saoirse Ronan is officially a filmmaker.
Her directorial debut PAPER PLANE — written by Ronan herself and starring Martha Malone, Clare Dunne, and Tim Creed — heads to Venice this September, competing for the Orizzonti Award for Best Short Film.
More at irishfilmtv.com 🔗︎
RTÉ`s new documentary TRINITY`S TREASURES follows Ruth Negga back to her alma mater as the historic library undergoes its first major renovation in 300+ years.
Episode one sees Negga exploring Trinity`s literary treasures with Librarian Helen Shenton. A must-watch for Irish book lovers!
Details via 🔗︎ in bio!
Rest in peace, Brenda Fricker 💔
The first Irish woman to ever win an Academy Award has died at 81, after a career that gave us MY LEFT FOOT, HOME ALONE 2`s unforgettable Pigeon Lady, and decades of unforgettable work on stage and screen. A true national treasure.
Full tribute via 🔗︎ in bio.
Ruth Negga is coming home to the stage!
The Oscar nominee headlines the world premiere of RADIO BETTE at the Gaiety Theatre this autumn, part of the @dublintheatrefestival_ 2026 programme (24 Sept–11 Oct).
Full details via 🔗︎ in bio.
DOMHNALL GLEESON just landed his next big one, and THE INCOMER sounds absolutely wild.
Gleeson plays the role of an uncomfortable government official sent to remove two siblings from their remote island home.
New trailer via link in bio 🔗︎
Northern Ireland-born acting legend Sam Neill has passed 💔
From his beginnings in Northern Ireland to becoming one of New Zealand`s most beloved cultural exports, Neill`s career was a masterclass in versatility — the swashbuckling Dr. Alan Grant in JURASSIC PARK, the brooding husband in THE PIANO, the chilling menace of Chester Campbell in PEAKY BLINDERS.
Full tribute via link in bio 🔗︎
🚨 NEW LIAM NEESON THRILLER ALERT 🚨
Liam Neeson reunites with a crew of former CIA operators for one last, daring rescue mission in the heart of Tehran... this time it`s personal. HE FIX (formerly HOTEL TEHRAN) just landed a release date — 11 September 2026 🎬
More via 🔗︎ in bio!
