Joachim Trier’s “Sentimental Value,” a deeply personal and emotionally resonant film about family, loss and artistic ambition, has made history, becoming the first Norwegian film to win the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film. The win, announced Sunday at the 98th Academy Awards, caps a remarkable awards season for the director and his cast, and has sparked conversation about the role of artists in a world grappling with conflict and uncertainty. The film centers on Nora (Renate Reinsve) and Agnes (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas), two sisters navigating the aftermath of their mother’s death and the reappearance of their estranged father, Gustav (Stellan Skarsgård), a film director hoping to reconnect through his work.
Trier’s acceptance speech, however, extended beyond the typical gratitude, touching on pressing global issues and the responsibility of citizens to demand accountability from their leaders. He invoked the words of James Baldwin, a writer known for his unflinching examinations of race and justice, and spoke directly to the demand for a more compassionate and protective approach to children caught in conflict zones. This intersection of artistic achievement and political commentary has quickly become a defining element of the narrative surrounding the film’s success.
Speaking to journalists in the Loews Hollywood Hotel press room following the ceremony, Trier elaborated on his decision to use the platform to address these weighty concerns. “I quoted James Baldwin as I think the world is at a moment when we are getting more information than ever about the wrongdoings made towards children and several wars going on at the moment,” he explained. “Personally, I have two small kids. And me and most people around me have been at times crying a lot, weekly, daily, feeling incapable of doing stuff because we’re seeing Palestinian children suffer. We’re seeing people in Ukraine suffer. People in Sudan suffer.” He stressed the importance of holding politicians accountable for the consequences of conflict, stating that “any child that dies at war is a responsibility for all adults that elect politicians.”
A Family History and the Weight of the Past
Trier’s commitment to addressing difficult themes is deeply rooted in his own family history. He revealed that his grandfather was a resistance fighter during World War II, a period that profoundly impacted his family. “When you’re young, you think, ‘Oh, these things are far away in time,’ but actually, it happened quite recently, and it happens again and again,” he said. This awareness of the cyclical nature of conflict and the enduring trauma it inflicts informed both his filmmaking and his decision to speak out at the Oscars. He drew a parallel to the rise of “strong men” in contemporary politics, referencing the work of Hannah Arendt, a political theorist who wrote extensively about the conditions that enabled the Holocaust. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy provides a detailed overview of Arendt’s work.
While acknowledging he is “not a politician,” Trier believes artists have a crucial role to play in fostering dialogue and advocating for change. “I do believe that we need a unanimous thing across the aisle…to be more collaborative about how we protect children in conflict situations. But also in society in general,” he stated. His comments reflect a growing trend among artists using their platforms to engage with social and political issues, a practice that often draws both praise and criticism.
The Rewards of Bringing a Vision to the Screen
Beyond the political implications of his Oscar win, Trier also expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to share his film with a global audience. He noted that “Sentimental Value” has become the most-watched Norwegian film in theaters worldwide, a testament to its universal themes and compelling storytelling. He specifically highlighted the importance of the theatrical experience, particularly in an era where streaming services are increasingly dominant. “I shoot on 35 – I’m old school. I go to the theater. I like to see things on a big screen,” he said, adding that he enjoys sharing that experience with his own children.
The journey to this moment, he admitted, has been “a bit of a shock.” He’s been traveling with the film since its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival roughly ten months ago. The most rewarding aspect, he explained, wasn’t necessarily the “glamorous things” associated with awards season, but rather “the effort of getting this film to the world.” He expressed pride in the support from distributors who prioritized the theatrical release, allowing audiences to experience the film as intended.
Preserving the Cinematic Experience
Trier’s advocacy for the theatrical experience is a notable stance within the film industry. Many directors have embraced streaming platforms as a means of reaching wider audiences, but Trier remains a staunch believer in the power of collective viewing. He sees the cinema as a vital cultural space, one that fosters a unique connection between the film and the audience. This commitment to traditional filmmaking techniques – shooting on 35mm film, for example – underscores his artistic vision and his desire to create a lasting cinematic experience.
The success of “Sentimental Value” also speaks to a growing appetite for nuanced and emotionally complex storytelling. The film’s exploration of family dynamics, grief, and artistic ambition resonates with audiences across cultures, demonstrating the power of cinema to transcend linguistic and geographical boundaries. The film’s critical acclaim, culminating in the Oscar win, is likely to encourage further investment in international cinema and provide a platform for diverse voices in the film industry.
Looking ahead, the Academy Awards are scheduled to broadcast again in 2027. The official Academy Awards website will provide updates on submission deadlines and eligibility requirements for the next awards cycle.
Joachim Trier’s win is more than just an individual achievement; it’s a moment of recognition for Norwegian cinema and a powerful reminder of the role art can play in shaping our understanding of the world. We invite you to share your thoughts on “Sentimental Value” and the broader themes it explores in the comments below.
