Mescal and Moura’s Emotional Hug Steals the Spotlight at the Golden Globes

by

Chloé Zhao’s film, Hamnet, won the top prize for Best Motion Picture Drama at the 2026 Golden Globes. The win was a significant achievement for Zhao and everyone involved. George Clooney and Don Cheadle presented the award, and producer Steven Spielberg lauded Zhao as the perfect director for the film, describing her as “exceptional.”

While accepting her award, Zhao relayed a message from Paul Mescal, the star of ‘Hamnet’. He said that working on the film taught him that true artistry comes from being brave enough to show your authentic self – flaws and all – and offering that honesty to the world.

We share our vulnerabilities – our flaws and fears – so others can recognize those same parts within themselves and learn to accept who they truly are.

On the Golden Globes stage, Timothée Chalamet, playing William Shakespeare, and Wagner Moura, a nominee for his work in The Secret Agent, shared a heartfelt embrace. This moment captured the supportive spirit and respect among all the nominees, recognizing the challenges and successes they all experience as actors, regardless of their film or country of origin.

Paul Mescal and Wagner Moura embrace at the #GoldenGlobes

— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) January 12, 2026

The film Hamnet, adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s 2020 novel, tells the story of William Shakespeare’s family and their profound grief following the death of their son, Hamnet. Paul Mescal, as Shakespeare, and Jessie Buckley, as his wife Agnes, cope with their loss in distinct ways – Shakespeare through his work. The film was nominated for six Golden Globes, recognizing Chloé Zhao’s direction, the screenplay, and the performances of both Mescal and Buckley.

Several other films were also contenders, including Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, which earned nominations for Best Director and performances by Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi. It Was Just an Accident, a thriller that won the top prize at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, was also nominated for Best International Feature Film.

Wagner Moura delivers a gripping performance in ‘The Secret Agent,’ a thriller set against the backdrop of Brazil’s 1977 military dictatorship. Both Moura (nominated for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama) and the film itself (nominated for Best Non-English Language Film) received critical acclaim.

The Norwegian drama ‘Sentimental Value’ also received high praise, telling the story of a family brought back together after their mother’s passing. The performances of Stellan Skarsgård, Renate Reinsve, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and Elle Fanning were all particularly noteworthy.

The evening highlighted incredible acting from around the world and moving stories. The clear connection between Paul Mescal and Fernanda Moura showed how actors support each other during awards season, demonstrating that they can be both competitors and show mutual respect.

Read More

2026-01-12 18:14