Focus Features’ 2025 film “Hamnet” will receive the Vanguard Award at the Palm Springs International Film Awards next year at the Convention Center, it was announced Thursday.
The film awards will take place Jan. 3, 2026 at 277 N. Avenida Caballeros, with the accompanying festival running from Jan.2-12.
Officials said 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.
Participating attendees to receive the award will include Oscar winning writer/director Chloe Zhao and actors Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal.
“One of the most resonant films of the year, director Chloe 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’re excited to recognize `Hamnet’ for its exceptional achievement in cinematic storytelling,” said Festival Chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi.
Based on Maggie O’Farrell’s award-winning novel of the same name, the film follows the relationship between William Shakespeare and Agnes in a tale about the complexities of love and healing power of art and creativity. “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,” officials said.
Past recipients of the Vanguard Award includes Academy Award Best Picture winners “Green Book” and “The Shape of Water.” Other recipients include Best Picture nominees “Belfast,” “Emilia Perez,” “Killers of the Flower Moon,” “La La Land,” “Little Miss Sunshine,” “The Fablemans” and “The Trial of the Chicago 7.”