Chloé Zhao's poignant drama 'Hamnet' has won the coveted People's Choice Award at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), marking her second win in this category after her 2020 triumph with 'Nomadland.' The TIFF People's Choice Award is a significant indicator of awards season success, with a strong track record of recipients securing Best Picture nominations at the Academy Awards. In the past 15 years, 15 out of 17 winners have gone on to receive a Best Picture nomination, and three have won the Oscar for Best Picture.
'Hamnet,' starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, delves into the profound exploration of grief and familial love, focusing on the impact of William Shakespeare's son's death. Adapted from Maggie O'Farrell's acclaimed 2020 novel, the film has been praised for its sensitive portrayal of loss and its ability to connect through storytelling. Critics have highlighted Buckley's raw emotional depth and Mescal's nuanced performance as key strengths.
The film's visual aesthetic, enhanced by the cinematography of Łukasz Żal, contributes to its immersive and emotionally resonant experience. Early critical reception suggests 'Hamnet' has a profound emotional impact, with some describing it as a film that "will wreck you." The film is set for a limited U.S. release on November 27, 2025, followed by a wider release on December 12, 2025, positioning it as a strong contender for upcoming awards.
The 50th anniversary edition of TIFF also recognized Guillermo del Toro's 'Frankenstein' and Rian Johnson's 'Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery' as runners-up for the People's Choice Award. Additionally, Park Chan-wook's 'No Other Choice' received the new International People's Choice Award. Zhao's consistent success at TIFF reinforces her reputation as a director skilled at crafting deeply affecting stories that resonate widely, further amplifying anticipation for 'Hamnet's' awards season journey.