What's Happening?
Chloé Zhao's film 'Hamnet' has won the People's Choice Award at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The film, a historical drama based on Maggie O'Farrell's novel, stars Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal. It premiered at the Telluride Film Festival before its international debut at TIFF. This marks Zhao's second win of this award, following her 2020 success with 'Nomadland', which later won the Best Picture Oscar. The People's Choice Award is often seen as a predictor for Oscar success, with past winners frequently securing nominations or wins at the Academy Awards.
Why It's Important?
Winning the People's Choice Award at TIFF is significant as it positions 'Hamnet' as a strong contender for the upcoming Oscar season. The award has historically been a bellwether for Oscar success, suggesting that 'Hamnet' could follow in the footsteps of previous winners like 'Nomadland' and 'Green Book'. This recognition not only boosts the film's visibility but also enhances its commercial prospects. For Zhao, this win reinforces her status as a leading filmmaker in Hollywood, potentially influencing future projects and collaborations.
What's Next?
With the TIFF win, 'Hamnet' is likely to gain momentum in the awards circuit, leading up to the Oscars. The film's producers and distributors will likely ramp up promotional efforts to capitalize on this momentum. Industry analysts and audiences will be watching closely to see if 'Hamnet' secures nominations in major categories at the Oscars, particularly Best Picture. The film's success could also impact the careers of its stars, Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, by opening up new opportunities in the industry.
