Rihanna's Music Creates Unforgettable Moment on 'Hamnet' Set, Cast Reveals at Oscars
At the 2026 Oscars, amidst historic wins and emotional celebrations, a surprising name emerged in discussions about the acclaimed film 'Hamnet': global music icon Rihanna. While she does not appear in the movie, her influence created one of the most memorable moments during production, as revealed by star Joe Alwyn during red carpet interviews.
The Spontaneous Dance Party That Went Viral
Joe Alwyn, who appears in the film alongside Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, shared a heartwarming story that instantly captured attention. According to Alwyn's account to Entertainment Tonight at the Dolby Theatre, director Chloé Zhao played Rihanna's 2011 hit song 'We Found Love' on the final day of filming at the reconstructed Globe Theatre.
"I think it was the last day we were at the globe the team built," Alwyn explained. "Chloé threw on Rihanna, and everyone jumped around. It was a fun party."
The spontaneous celebration saw the entire cast, still dressed in their elaborate Shakespearean period costumes, breaking into dance. This unexpected moment of joy on the set of a serious historical drama was later captured in a TikTok video featuring Alwyn, Buckley, Mescal, and Noah Jupe that quickly went viral, delighting fans who appreciated seeing the cast's lighter side.
Cast Members Reflect on the Transformative Moment
Jessie Buckley, who portrays Agnes in the film and won the Best Actress Oscar for her performance, vividly recalled how Rihanna's music transformed the atmosphere. "The whole place started vibrating," Buckley told Entertainment Tonight several months earlier. "All these extras, everybody—it was amazing. I can't forget how Rihanna's voice turned the set into 'a rave.'"
Director Chloé Zhao provided deeper insight into why she chose that particular song. "That's one of my favorite songs because it goes, 'We found love in a hopeless place,'" Zhao explained. "And that is the paradox of what it means to be human. Often when we experience deep loss, grief, and hopelessness, do we find love for each other and ourselves."
Zhao elaborated on the emotional significance: "So to have been in that river of grief for 10 days in The Globe Theatre, and then you see the joy and love the cast have for each other? You understand why grief and loss is part of the human experience: It's to get to the other end."
'Hamnet': A Story of Love and Loss
'Hamnet,' directed by Chloé Zhao, adapts Maggie O'Farrell's bestselling novel exploring the lives of William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes (historically Anne Hathaway) following the death of their young son Hamnet. The film offers an intimate examination of family dynamics, profound love, and personal tragedy, suggesting potential inspirations for Shakespeare's most celebrated works.
The film features Jessie Buckley as Agnes, Paul Mescal as William Shakespeare, and Joe Alwyn in a supporting role. Critics have particularly praised the production for its emotional depth, visual artistry, and Buckley's standout performance that earned her numerous awards.
Awards Season Triumphs
The 2026 awards season proved exceptionally successful for 'Hamnet,' with the film accumulating nearly 200 nominations and dozens of victories across major ceremonies. Significant achievements include:
- Best Motion Picture – Drama at the Golden Globes
- Outstanding British Film at the BAFTA Awards
- Multiple Best Actress awards for Jessie Buckley
At the Oscars, 'Hamnet' received major nominations including Best Picture and Best Director. The most historic moment came when Jessie Buckley won the Best Actress Oscar, becoming the first Irish woman to achieve this honor. Throughout the awards season, the film secured over 15 major awards, cementing its status as a critical and industry favorite.
The unexpected connection between Rihanna's music and this period drama highlights how contemporary elements can create meaningful moments even in historical storytelling, demonstrating the universal power of music to bridge emotional experiences across centuries.
