Box Office: ‘Scream 7’ Becomes Franchise’s Highest-Grossing Release With $176 Million, ‘Hamnet’ Surpasses $100 Million Milestone Chloe Zhao’s Shakespearean drama “Hamnet” has crossed the $100 million mark globally, achieving a milestone on Oscar weekend. The film, which is nominated for eight Academy Awards, has earned $100.6 million worldwide, including $75.2 million internationally and $24.1 million in North America. Released by Focus Features in the U.S. and Universal abroad starting in December, the film stars Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal as Agnes and William Shakespeare, portraying their struggle with the loss of their son. Focus distribution executives Niels Swinkels and Lisa Bunnell praised the film’s global resonance, noting its 17-week rollout since its initial launch. Universal’s romantic drama “Reminders of Him,” an adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel, opened with $10 million from 56 international markets and $18.2 million domestically, totaling $28.2 million globally. The film, which cost $25 million to produce, marks Hoover’s third novel to be adapted for the big screen. Her previous adaptations, “It Ends With Us” ($350 million) and “Regretting You” ($90 million), were commercial successes targeting female audiences. Hoover’s next project, “Verity,” starring Dakota Johnson and Anne Hathaway, is set for release in October. Disney and Pixar’s animated film “Hoppers” remained No. 1 at the international box office, earning $31 million from 45 territories in its second weekend. The film has generated $77.9 million overseas and $164 million globally, against a $150 million budget. “Hoppers” is poised to be Pixar’s first original hit since 2017’s “Coco,” despite challenges in launching new ideas like 2025’s “Elio.#jessie_buckley #paul_mescal #chloe_zhao #focus_features #universal
Jessie Buckley Oscars 2026: A Kerry Girl Taking Hollywood By The Heart Tonight in Los Angeles, as Conan O’Brien announces the winner of Best Actress at the 2026 Academy Awards, the Irish will hold their breath in anticipation. From Dingle to Dublin, the nation’s hopes are pinned on one name: Jessie Buckley. With prediction markets giving her odds at 97.8%, the moment feels less like a competition and more like a historic coronation. For those who identify as Irish, it carries a deeply personal significance. Buckley, the eldest of five in a family often compared to an Irish Von Trapp, was raised in a home without television. Her father, Tim, writes poetry, while her mother, Marina Cassidy, is a trained classical harpist and soprano whose performances draw crowds in her hometown. Creativity was not nurtured in this family—it was simply part of their existence. Buckley’s great-grandmother, Madge Clifford, a prominent Irish republican, adds another layer to her heritage, linking her to a lineage of women who refused to be forgotten. In Killarney, Buckley’s image is everywhere. Street posts, shop windows, and local landmarks proudly display her likeness. To the Irish, she is not a woman who left Ireland behind but one who carries its spirit with her. Her connection to her roots is evident in her work and personal life. She often returns to Co. Kerry to climb mountains near her childhood home, finding solace and inspiration in the natural world. Buckley’s breakthrough role in Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet as Agnes, the wife of William Shakespeare, has captivated critics and audiences alike. Her portrayal of a woman deeply tied to her body, nature, and emotional truth has elevated the film into a universal story of grief and acceptance.#conan_o_brien #jessie_buckley #chloe_zhao #kerry #padraig_osullivan
Paul Mescal Wears Cartier at the 2026 SAG Actor Awards Paul Mescal made a striking fashion statement at the 2026 SAG Actor Awards, donning a romantic-inspired look that highlighted his role in the film Hamnet. The Irish actor, who received his first SAG nomination for his performance as William Shakespeare, opted for a champagne silk shirt with a high neckline and a trailing tie, paired with a Cartier pin accessory. The ensemble marked his red carpet appearance at the event, following his previous nominations at the Golden Globes and BAFTA Film Awards. The film Hamnet, directed by Chloe Zhao, earned three SAG nominations, including Mescal’s nod for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role. His co-star, Jessie Buckley, was also recognized for her portrayal of Shakespeare’s wife, Agnes, while the film’s ensemble cast received a separate nomination. The story, structured in three acts, explores the tumultuous relationship between Shakespeare and his wife, focusing on the emotional aftermath of their son Hamnet’s death. The narrative draws parallels to Shakespeare’s own works, such as Romeo & Juliet, but centers on the personal grief that inspired the tragedy Hamlet. Mescal emphasized the film’s exploration of marital dynamics, stating, “What I’m probably most proud of in this film is the balance that exists between Jessie and me, in moments of how we express something that is happening to us as a couple and as two individuals very differently.” He noted that couples often experience the same trauma through vastly different perspectives, a theme central to the film’s portrayal of Shakespeare’s emotional journey.#hamnet #paul_mescal #chloe_zhao #cartier #sag_actor_awards
Actor Awards: Jessie Buckley Wins Best Actress for Hamnet Jessie Buckley secured her second major award of the season by winning the best film actress category at the Actor Awards, formerly known as the Screen Actors Guild awards. The ceremony took place at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, where Buckley, nominated for her role as Agnes Shakespeare in Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet, delivered a heartfelt acceptance speech. “I want to take a minute to see all these incredible, inspiring faces and souls in front of me,” she said, expressing gratitude for the support of her colleagues and the transformative impact of her work. Buckley’s victory solidifies her position as a leading contender for the Academy Awards in March, following her wins at the Golden Globe, Bafta, and Critics’ Choice awards. Her closest rival, Rose Byrne, had one last chance to challenge her with her performance in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, but Buckley’s dominance in televised ceremonies has left little room for upsets. The ceremony also highlighted other notable winners. Michael B Jordan claimed the best actor award for his role in Sinners, a film that also took the best ensemble prize. Jordan’s win came as a surprise, with critics noting his performance as a vampire in Ryan Coogler’s film outshining nominations from Timothée Chalamet and Leonardo DiCaprio. Meanwhile, Paul Mescal, nominated for his role in Hamnet, lost out to Sean Penn for best supporting actor. Penn’s win for his portrayal of a despot in Sinners has positioned him as a potential Oscar favorite. Amy Madigan won best supporting actress for her role as a witch in the horror film Weapons, while Catherine O’Hara posthumously received the best television comedy actress award for her role in The Studio.#hamnet #jessie_buckley #chloe_zhao #shrine_auditorium #screen_actors_guild
