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

With just days to go until Hollywood's biggest night, there's a particular buzz back home in Norway. Joachim Trier, Renate Reinsve and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas are ready to represent the country on the red carpet with "The Worst Person in the World." But it's not just the film industry feeling the excitement. Culture Minister Lubna Jaffery admits this year's Oscar race holds a deeply personal resonance for her.

A Loss That Lingers

Lubna Jaffery lost her mother a few years ago. In previous interviews, she's been open about their incredibly close bond, and how her mother always encouraged her to forge her own path. Now, amidst the Oscars buzz, those memories are flooding 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 mum when it was in cinemas," 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 mum loved film and storytelling. She would have absolutely loved seeing this Norwegian team shine in Los Angeles. That's why this Oscar hope feels like an echo of her belief in me – and in Norwegian culture," says a visibly moved Jaffery.

Brotherly Love and Everyday Joys

While her mother's spirit is present in the minister's office, it's another man in her life who keeps her spirits up: her younger brother. Lately, on social media, he's been entertaining followers with his "annoying" antics – from pinching the last piece of chocolate to showing up unannounced at her office with a coffee.

• "Sweet brother" – as she affectionately calls him – has become a bit of a sensation in the comment sections.
• "Annoying, but indispensable," Jaffery recently wrote in a social media post, racking up thousands of likes.
• Many are praising her for showing an informal and warm side of politics amidst a hectic schedule.

"He's my brother, and he's just like most brothers: a bit of a pest, 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 Film-Norway

Beyond the personal stories, Lubna Jaffery is also Norway's leading voice in cultural policy. She's made it clear she wants to strengthen Norwegian film production, and sees the Oscar nomination as proof that Norwegian stories are reaching the world.

"This isn't just an achievement for Joachim, Renate and Inga. It's a win for the entire Norwegian film community, for everyone working behind the scenes, and for the audience who finally get to see themselves 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 the minister's office has been long, but driven by the same force: to create something meaningful. As she watches the Oscars from home, it will be with a heart beating both for her field and for those she's lost along the way.

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