Golden Globes 2026: Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal of Hamnet on the Path to Oscar Nominations
Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal have been nominated for the Golden Globes for their performances in “Hamnet.” This adaptation, directed by Chloé Zhao, is based on Maggie O’Farrell’s historical novel. Buckley is nominated for Best Actress in a Drama, while Mescal is up for Best Supporting Actor. Their nominations signal a strong possibility of receiving Academy Awards nominations, which will be announced on January 22nd.
Significant Nominations at the Golden Globes 2026
The Golden Globes, known for predicting Oscar outcomes, saw several notable nominations this year:
- Best Motion Picture, Drama: “Hamnet,” “Frankenstein,” “It Was Just an Accident,” “The Secret Agent,” “Sentimental Value,” “Sinners”
- Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy: “Blue Moon,” “Bugonia,” “Marty,” “Supreme,” “No Other Choice,” “Nouvelle Vague,” “One Battle After Another”
- Best Director: Chloe Zhao for “Hamnet,” Paul Thomas Anderson for “One Battle After Another”
Key Highlights from the Nominations
Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” led with nine nominations, including:
- Best Musical or Comedy
- Best Director
- Five acting nominations
In contrast, the absence of films such as “Wicked: For Good” in the comedy or musical category highlights shifting viewer expectations. Additionally, Richard Linklater’s “Blue Moon,” primarily filmed in Dublin, received a nomination for Best Musical or Comedy and secured an acting nod for Ethan Hawke.
International Representation at the Globes
This year’s nominations reflected a growing diversity within the voting body. Three non-English language films were nominated for Best Drama:
- “It Was Just an Accident” (Iran)
- “Sentimental Value” (Norway)
- “The Secret Agent” (Brazil)
Meanwhile, “No Other Choice” (South Korea) and “Nouvelle Vague,” a French co-production, joined the comedy category.
Looking Forward to Academy Awards
As the award season unfolds, Buckley remains a frontrunner for the Best Actress Oscar. However, Australian actress Rose Byrne, with a nomination for “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,” is a strong competitor. Mescal faces a tough path in the Best Supporting Actor race, contending with veterans like Sean Penn and Stellan Skarsgård.
The anticipation surrounding “Hamnet” continues, with its poignant narrative about the grief of Agnes Shakespeare captivating audiences since its premiere at the Telluride Film Festival.
About the Golden Globes
Established in 1944, the Golden Globes restructured in 2023 following controversies. The voting body expanded from under 100 to around 400 journalists worldwide, ensuring a diverse selection in this year’s awards. The ceremony is set to take place on January 11th at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, hosted by Nikki Glaser.
As 2026 approaches, the competition remains fierce, with the potential for unexpected outcomes in both the Golden Globes and the subsequent Oscars. Buckley and Mescal’s nominations continue to elevate “Hamnet” as a standout contender for film excellence this year.
