"Affeksjonsverdi" Wins Oscar: "This is Historic for Norwegian Film"
It was a moment none of us will ever forget. When the presenter read out the winner of the award for Best International Feature Film, and the name "The Substance?" - no, "Affeksjonsverdi" - rang out over the speakers at the Dolby Theatre, the Norwegian crew erupted in a collective cheer that could probably be heard all the way back home. What a night! What a fairytale!
Stellan's voice trembled - and so did the rest of ours
The whole of Norway held its breath as Joachim Trier, dressed in his finest suit, took the stage. Beside him, Renate Reinsve shone like the true film star she is, and there, with those heartfelt 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 trembled when he thanked his family and the team. This award isn't just a victory for the three on stage, but for every single sound technician, make-up 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, after all. It's a story about love, about artistic freedom, and about the painful yet beautiful ache of being human. Joachim Trier has always had an eye for the imperfect, and with Renate Reinsve leading the way, he's managed the impossible: to make a film that feels intimate and personal, yet speaks to the entire world. The jury in Hollywood praised "its ability to portray relationships with a rare warmth and honesty." That's exactly what we Irish recognise, but it's clearly resonating just as powerfully in Los Angeles.
The road ahead: Cannes 2025 and a new era
With the Oscar statuette safely in their luggage, the entire Norwegian film industry now turns its gaze towards the French Riviera. Because this isn't a full stop, it's a starting gun. Word is already spreading that the Cannes Film Festival 2025 will be another highlight, perhaps with a special screening or its own tribute to this Norwegian cinematic wonder. I'd wager their programme is being rewritten tonight, because this sets a whole new standard.
What makes me most proud is seeing the world now discover what we've known for years: Stellan Skarsgård is one of the greatest of all time, and Renate Reinsve was born for the screen. It's been confirmed that Norwegian film can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the very best of them.
The night's big moments for Norwegian film
- The Statuette: "Affeksjonsverdi" wins ahead of strong competitors 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 film stars. They're immortal.