The film, adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s acclaimed novel, tells a fictionalised story of William Shakespeare and his wife, Agnes, exploring their romance and the grief that follows the death of their 11-year-old son, Hamnet. Paul Mescal plays Shakespeare, while Jessie Buckley portrays Agnes.

Accepting the award via video link, Zhao expressed gratitude and reflected on the importance of connecting with audiences. “I was very lonely when I was young. I wrote stories and drew manga, sharing them online so I could read strangers’ reactions.

Whether they liked them or not, I felt connected, and the world seemed a little less lonely,” she said.

Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein was named first runner-up for the audience award, followed by Rian Johnson’s Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.

Hamnet will open in limited release in the United States on November 27, ahead of its worldwide premiere on December 12.