The Telluride Film Festival just witnessed a potential Oscar frontrunner! Chloé Zhao’s “Hamnet,” starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, left audiences in tears with its deeply moving story of grief and loss. Is this the film that will sweep the awards season, cementing its place in cinematic history?

The Telluride Film Festival recently played host to the world premiere of Chloé Zhao’s much-anticipated drama, “Hamnet,” which immediately established itself as a formidable Oscar contender. Before the film unspooled, director Zhao, alongside her acclaimed stars Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, engaged the audience in a meditative moment, setting the stage for a deeply emotional cinematic experience. The film’s powerful debut has ignited widespread Oscar buzz, particularly for the stellar performances from its lead actors.

In a room filled with industry luminaries, the immaculate adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s bestselling novel captivated a sold-out crowd for 125 minutes. Audible sniffles and tears filled the venue, serving as a powerful testament to the film’s profound emotional depth. This moving and fictionalized portrait of grief and loss, which explores the inspiration behind one of history’s most treasured playwrights, held the audience firmly in its grip from start to finish.

The evening not only showcased a potential Oscar-winning film but also cemented Chloé Zhao’s status as one of today’s most urgent and captivating auteurs. Zhao, who made history in 2021 as the first woman of color and first Asian woman to win Best Director for “Nomadland,” is now poised to potentially helm a second Best Picture winner. Her masterful direction in “Hamnet” guides what are being hailed as two of the finest performances of the year from Buckley and Mescal, putting her in contention to be the first woman to direct two Oscar Best Picture films.

“Hamnet” delves into the fictionalized life of William Shakespeare, portrayed by Paul Mescal, and his wife, Agnes, brought to life by Jessie Buckley. The narrative centers on their profound struggle following the tragic loss of their 11-year-old son, Hamnet, played with impressive depth by Jacobi Jupe. The ensemble cast further enriches the story, featuring talents like Joe Alwyn, Emily Watson, Jack Shalloo, Noah Jupe, and David Wilmot.

Jessie Buckley, a previous Oscar nominee for “The Lost Daughter,” delivered what many critics are calling her best performance to date. Radiating excitement at the Telluride Film Festival, Buckley’s portrayal of Agnes is seen as a strong contender for her first lead acting Oscar nomination. Festival executive director Julie Huntsinger even exclaimed, “Please Lord, it’s her year,” highlighting the immense impact of Buckley’s performance on the festival’s attendees.

Paul Mescal, who earned an Oscar nomination for “Aftersun,” takes on the formidable challenge of embodying the most famous playwright in history. While many have portrayed Shakespeare on screen, few have garnered Academy recognition for the role. Mescal’s compelling performance in “Hamnet” stands out, earning him significant Oscar buzz for what could be a leading actor nomination, further demonstrating his range and dramatic prowess this awards season.

Beyond the compelling performances and direction, “Hamnet” is also expected to be a titan in the artisan races. Nominations are highly anticipated for its production design, cinematography, editing, and sound. The film’s rapturous score by Max Richter, which features beautiful original music and dusts off his iconic “On the Nature of Daylight,” adds another layer of emotional resonance, making it a strong contender for Best Original Score.

Distributed by Focus Features, “Hamnet” represents a significant awards play for the indie studio this year. Despite a rich history of over 175 Oscar nominations and 35 wins, Focus Features is still seeking its first Best Picture statue. “Hamnet” joins other strong contenders in their awards season slate, including “Bugonia,” “Anemone,” and “Song Sung Blue,” positioning the studio for a potentially groundbreaking year.

The film boasts a dream team of producers, including Oscar winners Steven Spielberg and Sam Mendes, alongside Oscar nominee Pippa Harris, ensuring deep industry respect and a robust campaign. Following its impactful Telluride premiere, “Hamnet” is set for a Gala presentation at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 7, with a limited theatrical release by Focus Features on November 27, expanding nationwide on December 12.