Irish film fans have reason to celebrate as Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley have both been nominated for the 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards, announced today ahead of the ceremony scheduled for January 11, 2026 in Hollywood. Their recognition marks a major moment for Irish talent on the global stage and adds to the growing awards-season buzz for the period drama Hamnet.
Hamnet, an adaptation of the internationally acclaimed novel by Derry-born author Maggie O’Farrell, has been named in the Best Motion Picture – Drama category, pitting it against heavyweight contenders such as Frankenstein, It Was Just an Accident, The Secret Agent, Sentimental Value and Sinners. The film follows a young William Shakespeare, played by Mescal, and his wife Agnes, portrayed by Buckley, as they grapple with the devastating loss of their son Hamnet — a tragedy that in the story inspires Shakespeare to write Hamlet.
For Mescal, this is a nomination in the Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture category — his first Golden Globe nod. He will compete against some of Hollywood’s most familiar faces, including Benicio Del Toro and Sean Penn for One Battle After Another, Jacob Elordi (Frankenstein), Adam Sandler (Jay Kelly) and Stellan Skarsgård (Sentimental Value).
Buckley, meanwhile, has earned a Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama nomination for her powerful turn as Agnes. She stands alongside an impressive slate of nominees including Jennifer Lawrence (Die My Love), Renate Reinsve (Sentimental Value), Julia Roberts (After The Hunt), Tessa Thompson (Hedda) and Eva Victor (Sorry, Baby).
Beyond the acting honours, Hamnet also picked up nominations for Best Motion Picture – Drama, while Maggie O’Farrell and director Chloé Zhao are recognised in the Best Screenplay – Motion Picture category. Zhao, an Academy Award-winning filmmaker, is also among those considered for Best Director.
It’s a milestone moment for both Mescal and Buckley, whose performances have drawn critical acclaim across several early awards circuits. Following recent Critics Choice Award nods, many commentators are now framing the Golden Globe recognition as an important step on the road to potential Oscar nominations next year.
Hamnet is set for release in cinemas across Ireland in early January, offering Irish audiences the chance to see the celebrated performances before the Golden Globes ceremony. Whether the nominations translate into wins remains to be seen, but for now, Mescal and Buckley’s achievements are being hailed here at home as a proud moment for Irish cinema on the international stage.
@bbcnewsround Some of the biggest and best films and tv shows from the past year have been nominated at the Golden Globes awards #WickedForGood #KPopDemonHunters #GoldenGlobeAwards ♬ original sound - BBC Newsround
