The Palm Springs International Film Awards has announced that Focus Features’ “Hamnet” is the recipient of the Vanguard Award. 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. Expected to attend for the award presentation include director Chloé Zhao as well as actors Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal. The Film Awards will take place on January 3, 2026, at the Palm Springs Convention Center, with the festival running January 2-12, 2026. The event will be presented by Kering and sponsored by Entertainment Tonight.
“It is an enormous honor to present this year’s Vanguard Award to ‘Hamnet,’” said Festival Chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi. “One of the most resonant films of the year, director Chloé 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 are excited to recognize ‘Hamnet’ for its exceptional achievement in cinematic storytelling.”
From Academy Award winning writer/director Chloé Zhao, comes a sensitively observed, magnificently crafted tale about the complexities of love and the healing power of art and creativity. Based on Maggie O’Farrell’s award-winning novel “Hamnet,” the story follows impoverished Latin tutor William Shakespeare and free-spirited Agnes. The pair, captivated by one another, strike up a torrid affair that leads to marriage and three children. Yet as Will pursues a budding theater career in far-away London, Agnes anchors the domestic sphere alone. 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.”
“Hamnet” joins this year’s previously announced honorees Michael B. Jordan (Icon Award), Leonardo DiCaprio (Desert Palm Achievement Award, Actor), Adam Sandler (Chairman’s Award) and Sentimental Value cast members Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and Elle Fanning (International Star Award). Past recipients of the Vanguard Award include Academy Award Best Picture winners “Green Book” and “The Shape of Water” as well as Best Picture nominees “Belfast,” “Emilia Pérez,” “Killers of the Flower Moon,” “La La Land,” “Little Miss Sunshine,” “The Fablemans,” and “The Trial of the Chicago 7.”
About the Palm Springs International Film Society
The Palm Springs International Film Society is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization whose mission is to cultivate and promote the art and science of film through education and cross-cultural awareness. The Film Society produces the Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) and Film Awards every January and Palm Springs ShortFest in June. In addition to curating the best in international cinema, PSIFF’s Film Awards has come to be known as the first stop on the campaign trail for the Academy Awards, and our Oscar-qualifying ShortFest is the largest short film festival and market in North America. Our festivals, year-round member screenings and educational programs manifest our organization’s mission by nurturing and encouraging new filmmaking talent, honoring the great masters of world cinema, and expanding audience horizons. The City of Palm Springs is the title sponsor of both festivals. The Film Awards are presented by Kering and sponsored by Entertainment Tonight.