Maggie O'Farrell's acclaimed novel becomes a record-breaking film! We are thrilled to announce that the film adaptation of Maggie’s award-winning novel HAMNET has received 11 nominations for the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards including for Best Film, Best Adapted Screenplay, Outstanding British Film and Best Director. This is the highest ever number of BAFTA nominations for a film directed by a woman – Chloe Zhao.
HAMNET has also been nominated for 8 Oscars, including for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Film and Best Director, and it won the 2026 Golden Globe award for Best Motion Picture – Drama in January. Jessie Buckley’s nomination adds a slew of Best Actress noms for her role as Agnes.
The film explores Shakespeare and Agnes’ grief following the death of their eleven-year-old son Hamnet in 1596. The screenplay was co-written by Maggie and Chloe Zhao.
Blake Friedmann’s Conrad Williams negotiated the book and screenwriting deals for Maggie. Publishing rights are handled by Victoria Hobbs at A.M.Heath.
The BAFTA Film Awards ceremony takes place on Sunday, 22 February at the Royal Festival Hall and will be available to watch on BBC One and iPlayer.
Congratulations to Maggie, Chloé, Jessie, and the entire HAMNET team!