Norway has achieved a landmark moment in cinematic history with its first-ever Academy Award victory, as Joachim Trier's film Sentimental Value clinched the Oscar for best international film at the ceremony in Los Angeles on Sunday. This triumph is being celebrated across the nation as a symbolic step out of the long-standing shadow cast by its Scandinavian neighbours, Sweden and Denmark, in the global film industry.
A Breakthrough for Norwegian Cinema
Set against the backdrop of a family home in Oslo, Sentimental Value delves into the poignant story of a film director estranged from his adult daughters. The film garnered an impressive nine nominations, including best actress for Renate Reinsve, best supporting actress for Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas and Elle Fanning, and best supporting actor for Stellan Skarsgård. Overall, Norway secured a record 11 Oscar nominations this year, with other notable mentions such as The Ugly Stepsister for best makeup and styling, and Espen Nordahl for visual effects in Sinners.
Rising from the Shadows
For decades, international recognition in Scandinavian film-making has predominantly centred on Sweden and Denmark. However, Norwegian cinema has been on a steady upward trajectory in recent years, with contributions from filmmakers like Dag Johan Haugerud, Halfdan Ullmann Tøndel, and Lilja Ingolfsdottir. Critics are now heralding this as the dawn of a Norwegian "golden age" in film.
Morten Ståle Nilsen, a film and TV critic for the Norwegian newspaper VG, remarked, "The Oscar for Sentimental Value is undoubtedly a real shot in the arm for the Norwegian film world. We have long lived in the shadow of more 'mature' movie nations like Sweden and, in more recent times, Denmark. Last night, we climbed out of that shadow."
Mixed Emotions and Ensemble Spirit
While the win was a cause for national pride, there was some disappointment over Stellan Skarsgård's failure to secure the best supporting actor award, which would have made him the first Swedish male actor to win an Oscar. Nilsen expressed, "It's a bit of a shame about our Swedish brother Stellan," noting he had a strong chance. Skarsgård, however, highlighted the positive aspect, stating that the absence of individual Oscars fostered a sense of unity among the cast, and emphasized, "And we won the most important - best international film."
In a related success, Swedish composer Ludwig Göransson won best film score for Sinners, marking his third Oscar career achievement.
Challenges and Celebrations
Nilsen cautioned that despite the boost from this victory, the Norwegian film industry faces challenges, including recent redundancies linked to the pandemic and political policies. He warned, "Some of which can be traced back to the pandemic, some of which can be traced back to political policy."
To honour the achievement, Joachim Trier and his team have been invited to the home of Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre upon their return from the US. Støre praised the film, telling broadcaster NRK, "The film has touched audiences all over the world and left a lasting mark on Norwegian film history. I saw the film in the cinema and it made a strong impression on me. You make all of Norway proud."
Artistic Freedom and International Recognition
Kjersti Mo, CEO of the Norwegian Film Institute, who attended the Oscars gala with Culture and Equality Minister Lubna Jaffery, described the win as a "historic moment for Norwegian cinema." She emphasized, "This is an enormous recognition of the filmmakers behind the film and of an extraordinary artistic collaboration." Mo also highlighted the importance of Nordic and European collaboration, advocating for a model where "cultural policy and artistic freedom go hand in hand."
She added, "When a small film nation like Norway receives this kind of international recognition, it shows what can happen when filmmakers are given time, trust and artistic freedom to develop their stories. This success is also the result of many years of long-term film policy in Norway, where we have built strong creative communities and made room for artistic ambition."
Joachim Trier, who previously directed The Worst Person in the World starring Renate Reinsve and nominated for two Oscars in 2022, referenced James Baldwin in his acceptance speech. He urged, "makes us remember that all adults are responsible for all children, and let's not vote for politicians who don't take this seriously and into account."
This Oscar win not only marks a pivotal achievement for Norway but also signals a shift in the Scandinavian film landscape, with Norwegian cinema gaining well-deserved global acclaim.
