In a heartfelt and impassioned moment at the 2026 Golden Globes, veteran actor Stellan Skarsgård transformed his acceptance speech into a powerful defence of the traditional cinema experience.
A Surprise Victory for a Seasoned Actor
The acclaimed Swedish star secured the award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Joachim Trier's film, Sentimental Value. Accepting the honour on Monday 12 January 2026, Skarsgård expressed genuine surprise, candidly admitting he thought he was "too old" for such recognition from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
Gratitude and a Cinematic Rallying Cry
After thanking his family for their unwavering support, the actor pivoted to a broader message for the industry. He concluded his time on stage with a clear and resonant declaration aimed at audiences and studios alike: "Cinema should be seen in cinemas." This statement served as a direct plea to preserve the communal, big-screen viewing of films amidst the growing dominance of streaming platforms and home entertainment.
The Context of a Changing Industry
Skarsgård's comments arrive at a pivotal time for the film business, where the balance between theatrical releases and direct-to-streaming premieres remains a hotly debated topic. His victory speech underscored a sentiment shared by many filmmakers and performers who believe the full artistic impact of a movie is best realised in a dedicated cinema. The 2026 ceremony, which also saw Amy Poehler win the inaugural best podcast award, was thus marked by this poignant reminder of the medium's foundational roots.
By using his moment of personal triumph to advocate for an entire art form, Skarsgård highlighted the enduring cultural importance of the shared cinematic experience, ensuring his win was noted not just for his performance, but for his passionate defence of cinema itself.
