Paul Mescal Looks a Romantic Hero in a Silk Shirt at the 2026 Actor Awards

The Irish actor received his first SAG nomination for playing William Shakespeare.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

After receiving nominations at the Golden Globes and BAFTA Film Awards earlier this year, Paul Mescal has now received his first Actor Award nod, previously known as a SAG Award, for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role in Chloe Zhao's Hamnet. Mescal appeared on the red carpet in a champagne silk shirt with a high-neck and a trailing tie, complemented by a Cartier pin accessory.

Why it matters

Mescal's nomination for playing William Shakespeare in Hamnet is a significant milestone in his acting career, as it marks his first SAG Award recognition. The film explores the emotional fallout and grief that followed the death of Shakespeare's 11-year-old son, Hamnet, which served as the catalyst for the playwright to write one of his most famous tragedies, Hamlet.

The details

In the film, Mescal plays William Shakespeare, opposite Jessie Buckley as his wife, Agnes. Told over three acts, in a hat tip to Shakespeare's plays, the film explores the couple's relationship and the crushing grief that follows the death of their son. While there are numerous references to some of Shakespeare's other famous works, including Romeo & Juliet, the story intends to suggest the emotional impact of Hamnet's death and how it influenced the creation of Hamlet.

  • Mescal received his first SAG Award nomination in 2026.
  • Mescal and his girlfriend, singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams, made their red carpet debut in London last month.

The players

Paul Mescal

An Irish actor who received his first SAG Award nomination for his role as William Shakespeare in the film Hamnet.

Jessie Buckley

Mescal's co-star in Hamnet, who was recognized for her work in the lead role.

Chloe Zhao

The director of Hamnet, which received three nominations at the Actor Awards.

Gracie Abrams

Mescal's girlfriend, a singer-songwriter, who accompanied him to the red carpet in London.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“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.”

— Paul Mescal (Variety)

The takeaway

Paul Mescal's first SAG Award nomination for his portrayal of William Shakespeare in Hamnet is a significant milestone in his acting career, highlighting his ability to capture the emotional complexity of the playwright's life and the impact of his son's tragic death on his creative process.