The Palm Springs International Film Awards has announced that Focus Features’ “Hamnet” is the recipient of the Vanguard Award. The Vanguard Award is a group honor distinguishing a film’s cast and director in recognition of their collective work on an exceptional film project. Expected to attend the award presentation include director Chloé Zhao, as well as actors Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal. The Film Awards will take place on January 3rd, 2026, at the Palm Springs Convention Center, with the festival running January 2nd-12th, 2026. The event will be presented by Kering and sponsored by Entertainment Tonight.
“It is an enormous honor to present this year’s Vanguard Award to ‘Hamnet’, said Festival Chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi. “One of the most resonant films of the year, director Chloé Zhao brings forth a story of enormous weight to the screen. Alongside her direction, the extraordinary performances of Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal establish its human core. We are excited to recognize ‘Hamnet’ for its exceptional achievement in cinematic storytelling.”
From Academy Award–winning writer/director Chloé Zhao comes a sensitively observed, magnificently crafted tale about the complexities of love and the healing power of art and creativity. Based on Maggie O’Farrell’s award-winning novel Hamnet, the story follows impoverished Latin tutor William Shakespeare and free-spirited Agnes. The pair, captivated by one another, strike up a torrid affair that leads to marriage and three children. Yet as Will pursues a budding theater career in faraway London, Agnes anchors the domestic sphere alone. When tragedy strikes, the couple’s once-unshakable bond is tested, but their shared experience sets the stage for the creation of Shakespeare’s timeless masterpiece, “Hamlet.”
“Hamnet” joins this year’s previously announced honorees Michael B. Jordan (Icon Award), Leonardo DiCaprio (Desert Palm Achievement Award, Actor), Adam Sandler (Chairman’s Award), and “Sentimental Value” cast members Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and Elle Fanning (International Star Award). Past recipients of the Vanguard Award include Academy Award Best Picture winners “Green Book” and “The Shape of Water” as well as Best Picture nominees “Belfast,” “Emilia Pérez,” “Killers of the Flower Moon,” “La La Land,” “Little Miss Sunshine,” “The Fabelmans,” and “The Trial of the Chicago 7.”
What do you think of this news for the Palm Springs International Film Festival? Have you seen “Hamnet” yet? If so, what did you think of the film and do you believe Chloe Zhao will receive another Oscar nomination for Best Director? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments section below or on our X account.
