'Sentimental Value' Wins Oscar: – This is Historic for Norwegian Cinema
It was a moment none of us will ever forget. As the presenter read out the winner for Best International Feature, and the name "The Substance?" - no, "Sentimental Value" - rang out through the Dolby Theatre, the Norwegian crew erupted in a collective cheer so loud you could hear it all the way back home in Norway. What a night! What a fairy tale!
Stellan's voice trembled - and so did everyone else's
The whole of Norway held its breath as Joachim Trier, dressed in his finest suit, walked onto the stage. Beside him, Renate Reinsve beamed 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 shook as 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, makeup artist, and script supervisor who worked through the cold Norwegian winter to make this happen.
Why 'Sentimental Value' 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 experience 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 Hollywood jury praised "its ability to portray relationships with a rare warmth and honesty." That's exactly what we Norwegians relate to, but it's clearly resonating in Los Angeles too.
The road ahead: 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 signal. There's already talk that the Cannes Film Festival 2025 will be another highlight, perhaps with a special screening or a dedicated tribute to this Norwegian cinematic wonder. I bet their programme is being rewritten 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 greatest of all time, and Renate Reinsve was born for the screen. We've had confirmation that Norwegian cinema can stand tall with the very best.
The night's biggest moments for Norwegian film
- The Statuette: 'Sentimental Value' wins ahead of strong competition from Spain and Germany.
- Reinsve: Her emotional acceptance speech moved the entire room to tears.
- Trier: The director praises his regular team, calling it "a victory for the personal film."
- Historic: This is Norway's first Oscar win in this category in over 20 years.
Now, a long night of celebration awaits the Norwegian team. They deserve every popping champagne cork. Because tonight, Joachim, Renate and Stellan aren't just film stars. They are immortal.