Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet has positioned Paul Mescal as a contender for Best Supporting Actor during the 2026 awards season, particularly the Oscars. Mescal leads the cast as William Shakespeare, yet he is being campaigned in the supporting category—an intentional strategic decision by the film’s backers.

In Hamnet, Paul Mescal portrays Shakespeare, while Jessie Buckley stars as his wife, Agnes. The film centers on Agnes’s profound grief following the death of their son, Hamnet, exploring the emotional fallout for both parents and how grief shapes their artistic lives. Hamnet premiered at the Telluride Film Festival between August 2 and September 2, and is set for a limited U.S. theatrical release beginning November 27, 2025, before expanding widely on December 12.

The decision to campaign Mescal as a supporting actor stems partly from considerations of screen time and narrative focus. While he plays a leading role, the film’s true protagonist is Buckley’s character. Awards strategists therefore view Mescal’s performance as ensemble-adjacent rather than singularly leading. Mescal already carries strong awards momentum: he was a Best Actor nominee for Aftersun and won a BAFTA in the supporting category for All of Us Strangers.

Industry observers have noted a growing trend in Oscar campaigning—placing performers in “supporting” categories to avoid crowded lead fields. Whether the Academy will continue to accept this practice remains uncertain, but the move underscores how category placement can shape awards narratives, revealing the strategic way Mescal’s performance is being positioned for maximum competitive advantage.