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Paul Mescal

Actor and executive producer

Born 1996

Paul Mescal is an Irish actor whose career combines intimate screen dramas, major studio films and theatre. Born in Dublin and raised in Maynooth, he attended Irish-language schools and initially hoped to pursue Gaelic football. Playing the Phantom in a school musical drew him toward acting. After graduating from The Lir Academy in 2017, he immediately played Jay Gatsby at Dublin's Gate Theatre and built a stage career in Dublin and London. His television breakthrough as Connell in Normal People led to a BAFTA; Aftersun brought an Academy Award nomination, and his Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire won an Olivier. Screen work includes The Lost Daughter, God's Creatures, Carmen, All of Us Strangers, Foe and Gladiator II. In 2025 he starred in and executive-produced The History of Sound, and played William Shakespeare in Hamnet. His announced work includes Paul McCartney in Sam Mendes' Beatles films, Linklater's continuing Merrily We Roll Along and a 2027 repertory stage season in Death of a Salesman and A Whistle in the Dark.

Verified identityCore facts checked against named sources.

Keep exploring

Connected people

ConnectionDaisy Edgar-JonesNormal People co-star; the television breakthrough shared by both actors.

ConnectionFrankie CorioPlays Sophie opposite Mescal's Calum in Aftersun; both discussed their preparation with BFI.

ConnectionAndrew ScottPlays Adam opposite Mescal's Harry in All of Us Strangers.

Official records · wins and honours

Awards & Honours

Selected recognition linked to the awarding organisation or primary record.

2026
BAFTA FilmNomination
Supporting Actor — nomination
Hamnet
Official record
2026
Golden GlobesNomination
Male Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture — nomination
Hamnet
Official record
2025
Theatre World AwardsCompetitive win
Theatre World Award
A Streetcar Named Desire
Official record
2024
BAFTA FilmNomination
Supporting Actor — nomination
All of Us Strangers
Official record
2023
Academy AwardsNomination
Actor in a Leading Role — nomination
Aftersun
Official record
2023
BAFTA FilmNomination
Leading Actor — nomination
Aftersun
Official record
2023
BAFTA ScotlandCompetitive win
Actor — Film
Aftersun
Official record
2023
Olivier AwardsCompetitive win
Best Actor
A Streetcar Named Desire
Official record
2023
Irish Film and Television AcademyCompetitive win
Actor in a Lead Role — Film
Aftersun
Official record
2021
BAFTA TelevisionCompetitive win
Leading Actor
Normal People
Official record
2020
Television AcademyNomination
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie — nomination
Normal People
Official record

Supporting Actor — nomination

Male Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture — nomination

Theatre World Award

Supporting Actor — nomination

Actor in a Leading Role — nomination

Leading Actor — nomination

Actor — Film

Best Actor

Actor in a Lead Role — Film

Leading Actor

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie — nomination