Affeksjonsverdi wins Oscar: – A historic moment for Norwegian film
It was one of those moments 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" - boomed through the speakers at the Dolby Theatre, the Norwegian crew erupted in a collective cheer you probably could have heard all the way back home. What a night. What a ride.
Stellan's voice wavered - and so did everyone else's
The whole country held its breath as Joachim Trier, looking sharp in his best suit, made his way to the stage. Beside him, Renate Reinsve shone like the true film star she is, and right there, with those heartfelt eyes, stood the legend Stellan Skarsgård. "I had to pinch myself seeing how much this meant to him," a colleague from the Norwegian film industry told me right after the broadcast. It was no wonder his voice cracked a little when he thanked his family and the crew. This award isn't just a win for the three up on stage; it's for every single sound technician, makeup artist, and script supervisor who braved 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, artistic freedom, and 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 pulled off the impossible: making a film that feels intimate and personal, yet speaks to the whole world. The jury in Hollywood praised "its ability to portray relationships with a rare warmth and honesty." That's exactly what we Norwegians relate to, and apparently, it strikes a chord in Los Angeles too.
What's next: Cannes 2025 and a new era
With the Oscar safely in their luggage, the entire Norwegian film industry is now turning its gaze towards the French Riviera. Because this isn't a full stop; it's a starting pistol. Word is already spreading that the Cannes Film Festival 2025 will be another major milestone, perhaps with a special screening or its own tribute to the Norwegian film phenomenon. I reckon their program is being rewritten as we speak – this sets a whole new standard.
What makes me most proud, as a Norwegian and a film lover, is seeing the world finally 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 got confirmation that Norwegian cinema can stand tall alongside the very best.
The biggest moments of the night for Norwegian film
- The Gold Statue: "Affeksjonsverdi" takes it out ahead of strong 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 win for personal filmmaking".
- Historic: This is Norway's first Oscar win in this category in over 20 years.
A long night of celebrating 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.