In a remarkable turn of events, acclaimed author Maggie O’Farrell has found herself among the Oscar nominees for Best Adapted Screenplay for her film Hamnet. The writer, originally from Coleraine in Northern Ireland, has described the nomination as “very surreal,” admitting it was never something she had envisioned.
“It’s very, very strange. It never even crossed my mind,” O’Farrell told BBC News NI. The author, whose award-winning novel of the same name served as the basis for the film, explained that the project feels like her “baby” and that the movie itself is “a real collaborative effort.”
Hamnet, directed by Chloé Zhao, has received a total of eight Oscar nominations, including a nod for Best Picture and a Best Actress nomination for Irish actress Jessie Buckley, who portrays Agnes, Shakespeare’s wife. O’Farrell praised Buckley’s performance, describing her as “mesmerizing” and someone the audience simply cannot take their eyes off.
The writer also expressed her delight at Buckley’s recognition, stating, “She just poured her heart and her soul and her bones into that role.” Buckley’s mother, Marina, echoed these sentiments, calling the nomination “surreal” and a “wonderful achievement” for the entire cast and crew.
While Irish actor Paul Mescal, who co-starred with Buckley, missed out on a nomination in what the industry has dubbed “a snub,” O’Farrell had previously expressed her belief that he was the perfect choice to play Shakespeare.
As the awards season continues, all eyes will be on Hamnet and its talented ensemble, particularly Buckley, who has already secured a Golden Globe earlier this month, paving the way for a promising awards season in Hollywood.
With the Oscars just around the corner, O’Farrell is faced with the enviable task of deciding who will accompany her to the ceremony, joking that it will be “hotly contested” between her three children and husband. And while the author is tempted to don a Björk-inspired swan dress for the red carpet, she admits her teenage daughters may never forgive her.
Nonetheless, the nomination is a testament to the power of Hamnet and the exceptional work of O’Farrell and her collaborators. As the industry eagerly awaits the Oscars, the writer’s “surreal” journey continues to captivate audiences and industry insiders alike.
