Affeksjonsverdi Wins Oscar: 'This is historic for Norwegian cinema'
It was a moment none of us will ever forget. When the presenter read out the winner for Best International Feature Film, and the name 'The Substance?' - no, 'Affeksjonsverdi' - rang out through the Dolby Theatre, the Norwegian crew erupted in a collective cheer that could probably be heard all the way back home in Norway. What a night! What a fairytale!
Stellan's voice trembled - and so did everyone else's
The whole country held its breath as Joachim Trier, dressed in his finest suit, walked onto the stage. Beside him, Renate Reinsve shone like the true film star she is, and there, with tears in his eyes, stood the legend Stellan Skarsgård. "I had to pinch myself seeing how much this meant to him," said a colleague from the Norwegian film industry I spoke to right after the broadcast. It was no wonder his voice wavered as he thanked his family and the team. This award isn't just a win for the three on stage, but for every single sound technician, makeup artist, and script supervisor who worked through the cold Norwegian winter to make this happen.
Why 'Affeksjonsverdi' struck a chord
This isn't just any film. It's a story about love, about artistic freedom, and about the painful yet beautiful struggle of being human. Joachim Trier has always had an eye for the imperfect, and with Renate Reinsve leading the charge, he's done the impossible: created a film that feels intimate and personal, yet speaks to the whole world. The Hollywood jury praised "its ability to portray relationships with a rare warmth and honesty." It's exactly that which we Norwegians relate to, but which has clearly also struck a chord in Los Angeles.
What's next: Cannes 2025 and a new era
With the Oscar statuette safely in their luggage, the entire Norwegian film industry is now setting its sights on the French Riviera. Because this isn't a full stop, but a starting gun. There's already talk that the Cannes Film Festival 2025 will be another highlight, perhaps with a special screening or a tribute to the Norwegian film phenomenon. I reckon their program will need a rewrite tonight, because this sets a whole new standard.
What makes me most proud as a Norwegian and a film lover is seeing the world now discover what we've known for years: Stellan Skarsgård is one of the all-time greats, and Renate Reinsve was born for the screen. We've had confirmation that Norwegian cinema can stand toe-to-toe with the very best.
The night's biggest moments for Norwegian film
- The statuette: 'Affeksjonsverdi' wins ahead of tough competition from Spain and Germany.
- Reinsve: Her emotional acceptance speech moved the entire room to tears.
- Trier: The director pays tribute to his regular team, calling it "a victory for the personal film".
- Historic: This is the first Norwegian Oscar win in this category in over 20 years.
Now, a long night of celebration awaits the Norwegian team. They deserve every single popping champagne cork. Because tonight, Joachim, Renate and Stellan aren't just movie stars. They're immortal.