'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 for Best International Feature Film, and the name "The Substance?" - no, "Affeksjonsverdi" - rang out across the Dolby Theatre speakers, the Norwegian crew erupted in a collective cheer that could probably be heard all the way back home in Oslo. What a night. What an absolute fairytale.
Stellan's voice trembled – and so did everyone else's
The whole of Norway held its breath as Joachim Trier, in his best suit, walked onto the stage. Beside him, Renate Reinsve beamed like the true movie star she is, and there, with such moving 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. No wonder his voice shook a little when he thanked his family and the team. This award isn't just a win 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 'Affeksjonsverdi' struck a chord
This isn't just any film, you know. 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 create 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." It's exactly that which we Norwegians recognise, but which clearly also resonates deeply in Los Angeles.
What's next: Cannes 2025 and a new era
With the Oscar statuette safely in hand, 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 major highlight, perhaps with a special screening or a dedicated tribute to this Norwegian cinematic phenomenon. I reckon they'll be rewriting their programme 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. It's confirmed now – Norwegian film can stand tall with the very best.
The night's biggest moments for Norwegian film
- The statuette: "Affeksjonsverdi" wins ahead of tough 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 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 single popping champagne cork. Because tonight, Joachim, Renate, and Stellan aren't just movie stars. They are immortal.