Paul Mescal and Wagner Moura Share a Heartfelt Embrace at the Golden Globes
The 2026 Golden Globes on Sunday night were a memorable one for the film Hamnet and its star, Paul Mescal. The movie, directed by Chloé Zhao, took home the award for Best Motion Picture Drama.
George Clooney and Don Cheadle presented the trophy, giving fans a mini reunion of the Ocean’s cast. When Zhao took the stage, she thanked her team and highlighted the talent behind the film, saying that Hamnet could only have been told by someone like her.
“Making Hamnet made him realize that the most important thing of being an artist is learning to be vulnerable enough to allow ourselves to be seen for who we are and not who we ought to be,” Zhao shared, repeating a message Mescal had given her earlier in the day. “And to give ourselves fully to the world. Even the parts of ourselves that we’re ashamed of, that we’re afraid of, that are imperfect, so the people that we speak to, they can also see themselves and fully accept themselves.”
Mescal, 29, stars as William Shakespeare in the film, opposite Jessie Buckley as Agnes. The story follows the couple as they grieve the loss of their son, Hamnet, a tragedy that drives Shakespeare to write Hamlet. The emotional intensity of the film has resonated with audiences and critics alike.
A heartfelt moment of the evening came when Mescal shared the stage with Wagner Moura, who was nominated for Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture Drama for his role in The Secret Agent.
The two actors embraced warmly, reflecting the respect and camaraderie between them. Moura’s film, a tense political thriller set in Brazil during the military dictatorship, also earned a nomination for Best Motion Picture Non-English Language.
Paul Mescal and Wagner Moura embrace at the #GoldenGlobes pic.twitter.com/TxB4bNyoMV
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) January 12, 2026
Other films competing in the Best Motion Picture Drama category included Frankenstein, It Was Just an Accident, The Secret Agent, Sentimental Value, and Sinners. Zhao and Mescal’s Hamnet stood out not just for its storytelling but also for the heartfelt performances, which drew attention from peers like Moura, who has long admired the Irish actor’s work.
Zhao also took time to praise fellow nominee Ryan Coogler and others in the industry for their bravery and dedication. Hamnet received six nominations in total, including Best Screenplay and Best Original Score, while Buckley and Mescal were both recognized for their acting.
Mescal and Moura’s interaction on stage was a highlight for many viewers. Their embrace symbolized not only mutual admiration but also the supportive spirit among actors competing in high-pressure categories.
Hamnet, based on Maggie O’Farrell’s 2020 novel, is available to stream on Apple TV.
Seeing Mescal and Moura share that moment was one of the most genuine interactions of the night. It shows that even in competitive awards settings, actors can celebrate each other’s achievements. What do you think about the chemistry between them? Share your thoughts in the comments.
