Lubna Jaffery Opens Up About Her Mother's Death: "The Oscar Hope Hit Me Hard"

With just days to go for the biggest night in Hollywood cinema, back home in Norway, many are feeling an extra surge of excitement. Joachim Trier, Renate Reinsve, and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas are all set to represent the country on the red carpet with "The Worst Person in the World." But it's not just the film industry that's emotionally charged. Minister of Culture Lubna Jaffery admits that this year's Oscar race holds a deeply personal resonance for her.

A Loss That Leaves Its Mark

A few years ago, Lubna Jaffery lost her mother. In interviews, she has previously been open about the close bond they shared, and how her mother always encouraged her to forge her own path. Now, amidst the Oscar fever, those memories are coming back with full force.

"It's strange how art can hit you right in the heart when you least expect it. I watched 'The Worst Person in the World' with my mother when it was in theatres," Jaffery shares in an interview.

She describes the scene where the protagonist, Julie, loses someone close to her, as almost unbearably powerful to watch in hindsight.

"My mother loved films and storytelling. She would have loved to see this Norwegian team shine in Los Angeles. That's why this Oscar hope almost feels like an echo of her belief in me – and in Norwegian culture," says a visibly moved Jaffery.

Brotherly Bond and Everyday Joys

While her mother's spirit watches over the minister's office, it's another man in her life who keeps her spirits high: her younger brother. On social media lately, he has been entertaining followers with his "annoying" antics – from stealing the last piece of chocolate to showing up unannounced at her office with coffee.

• "Sweet brother" – as she affectionately calls him – has become a small sensation in the comment sections.
• "Annoying, but indispensable", Jaffery recently wrote in a social media post, which got thousands of likes.
• Many praise her for showing an informal and warm side of politics amidst a hectic daily life.

"He's my brother, and he's just like most siblings: a little annoying sometimes, but always there when it counts. It's good to have someone to laugh with when the world gets too serious," she says with a smile.

The Culture Minister's Role in Norwegian Film

Beyond the personal stories, Lubna Jaffery is also Norway's leading voice in cultural policy. She has clearly stated her desire to strengthen Norwegian film production and sees the Oscar nomination as validation that Norwegian stories are reaching the world.

"This isn't just an achievement for Joachim, Renate, and Inga. It's a victory for the entire Norwegian film community, for everyone working behind the scenes, and for the audience who finally get to see themselves represented on the big screen," she says.

She highlights that films like "The Worst Person in the World" put Norway on the map and open doors for new talent.

A Personal and Political Journey

For Lubna Jaffery, the journey from her mother's care to today's ministerial office has been long, but filled with the same driving force: to create something meaningful. When she watches the Oscar ceremony from home, it will be with a heart that beats both for her field and for those she has lost along the way.

"I know my mother would have been glued to the screen, just like me. And I know she would have been cheering for all the Norwegian participants. I am too – for her sake, and for all of us who love Norwegian culture," she concludes.