To weep, or not to weep? That was the question as LA’s swanky Academy Museum of Motion Pictures was filled with a cacophony of sniffles on Tuesday night at the premiere of the heartbreaking Oscar hopeful “Hamnet.”

Based on the acclaimed 2020 novel of the same name by Maggie O’Farrell, “Hamnet” follows William Shakespeare (Paul Mescal) and his wife, Agnes (Jessie Buckley), as they fall in love, build a family and cope with a devastating loss that leads William to pen his acclaimed masterpiece “Hamlet.”

Ahead of the premiere screening, Steven Spielberg, who produced the film, praised director Chloe Zhao’s singular vision, telling the audience, “Directors are always searching for stories to tell, but sometimes, the story tells us which director it wants to belong to.”

Chloé Zhao’s “Hamnet” is getting early Oscar buzz. Focus Features via Getty Images

Steven Spielberg produced director Zhao’s latest film. Focus Features via Getty Images

The Hollywood icon added: “Chloe Zhao was the director that Maggie O’Farrell’s book ‘Hamnet’ found its way to, and there was no other choice that could have possibly been made in the world. They found their way to each other — the book and Chloe. They were made for each other. The power of empathy, which is Chloe’s superpower, made this match inevitable.”

Spielberg continued his speech by advocating for emotional films like “Hamnet” to get their due in movie theaters, by adding, “Maggie’s heart and Chloe’s soul made them the perfect pair to collaborate in adapting this book to the screen… A big movie screen, like this one I’m standing in front of. The kinds of screens that we are fighting the tides to keep filled with not just blockbuster, epic, escapist movie rides, but sensitive and intimate portraits of marriage and family, and the life altering epiphanies that spring from heartache and heartbreak, like the film you are about to see. There needs to be room for films like Chloe’s on screens like these. I am so proud to be one of the producers who got to watch Chloe make this little miracle of a movie.”

Joe Alwyn co-stars in the Focus Features film. Focus Features via Getty Images

Christina Hendricks was among starry attendees at the premiere. Focus Features via Getty Images

Early Oscar predictions favor Buckley to take home the gold for best leading actress, in addition to expected nods for best picture, supporting actor Mescal and director Zhao (who previously won the Academy Award for her 2020 film “Nomadland”).

Irish actress Buckley, who rose to prominence stateside for roles in series like “Chernobyl” and “Fargo,” stunned in a sophisticated black and white gown with a deep plunging neckline.

The film screened at LA’s Academy Museum. Focus Features via Getty Images

Co-star Joe Alwyn was dapper on the carpet in a textured gray suit jacket with black lapels.

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“Hamnet” from Focus Features, the specialty film arm of Universal Pictures, is expected to make a strong showing in this year’s awards race with “Bugonia” led by Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons, in addition to the Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson starrer “Song Sung Blue.”

Despite the somber tone of “Hamnet,” its stars were all smiles as they toasted the project during an after-party in the museum’s ritzy rooftop tea room.

Attendees were treated to a smattering of quintessentially British bites, including chicken pot pie and fish & chips, to match the film’s pastoral English setting.

Zhao previously won the Academy Award for her 2020 film “Nomadland.”
Focus Features via Getty Images

Designer Jeremy Scott was also spotted the the starry screening. Focus Features via Getty Images

In attendance at the starry affair were “Brat” hitmaker Charli XCX, “Superman” actress Isabela Merced, “Mad Men” alum Christina Hendricks, “Girls” star Zosia Mamet and “Cobra Kai” standout Peyton List.

“Hamnet” opens in a limited run on Nov. 26 before expanding to more screens on Dec. 5.

Bring tissues!