Thescreescore – Chloé Zhao, the acclaimed director behind the highly anticipated Hamnet, has responded to the enthusiastic, and some might say hyperbolic, praise surrounding her latest film. Based on Maggie O’Farrell’s bestselling novel, Hamnet reimagines the life of William Shakespeare, focusing on the tragic loss of his son, Hamnet, and its profound impact on the creation of Hamlet. Following early screenings at prestigious film festivals like Telluride and Toronto, Hamnet has garnered rave reviews, with some critics even suggesting it’s the cinematic masterpiece of 2025. A viral poster took this sentiment to the extreme, boldly declaring Hamnet the greatest film ever made.
Speaking with Liam Crowley of thescreescore.com, Zhao addressed the buzz with a mix of humility and appreciation. Acknowledging that such declarations are often made in the heat of the moment, she expressed her gratitude for the strong emotional response the film has evoked. "Well, I see that sentiment said a lot about films. [Laughs] But it’s amazing! To have that reaction from people? We’re in the business of helping people feel things," Zhao explained. "Once they feel something, however they express it – someone can write a lot of notes, they can literally not react at all and never talk about it again, or someone can say it’s the best film ever made – that’s their own expression of what they felt. So, I’ll take it!"
While the "best movie of all time" label is undoubtedly subjective, Hamnet is undeniably a strong contender for Best Picture at the upcoming Academy Awards. The competition is fierce, with films like One Battle After Another, Sinners, Marty Supreme, Sentimental Value, Frankenstein, and Wicked: For Good also vying for the coveted prize. Nevertheless, Hamnet‘s early momentum positions it as a frontrunner.
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Beyond Best Picture, Hamnet is expected to secure nominations in several other key categories. Jessie Buckley’s portrayal of Shakespeare’s wife, Agnes, has generated significant Oscar buzz, with many predicting a Best Actress win. Paul Mescal, who plays William Shakespeare, is also likely to receive a Best Supporting Actor nomination.
Zhao herself stands a strong chance of earning a Best Director nomination. The category is expected to be highly competitive, with potential nominees including Paul Thomas Anderson for One Battle After Another, Ryan Coogler for Sinners, and Josh Safdie for Marty Supreme. However, Zhao’s previous win in 2021 for Nomadland demonstrates her ability to triumph in a crowded field.
Despite facing stiff competition from highly anticipated blockbusters like Wicked: For Good, Zootopia 2, and Avatar: Fire and Ash during the holiday season, Hamnet has generated considerable anticipation. This suggests that the film has the potential to resonate with general audiences as powerfully as it has with critics, potentially translating into box office success.
Hamnet begins its limited theatrical release on November 26, followed by a wide release on December 12.
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