Norway ‘climbs out of shadow’ of neighbours with first Oscar win for Sentimental Value

Recognition for Scandi film-making has long focused on Sweden and Denmark but critics say Norwegian film is entering a new era Sentimental Value’s victory at the Oscars on Sunday has been hailed in Norway as the moment the country stepped out of the film industry shadow cast by its Scandinavian neighbours Sweden and Denmark. Joachim Trier’s film became the first ever Norwegian feature to win an Academy Award when it was named best international film at the ceremony in Los Angeles. Set around a family home in Oslo and telling the story of a film director estranged from his adult daughters, the film was nominated in eight other categories including best actress for Renate Reinsve, best supporting actress for Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas and Elle Fanning, and best supporting actor for Stellan Skarsgård. Norway secured a record 11 nominations overall, including The Ugly Stepsister for best makeup and styling, and Espen Nordahl for the visual effects in Sinners. International recognition for film-making in Scandinavia has long focused on Sweden and Denmark, but Norwegian film has been on a steady upward trajectory in recent years and work by Dag Johan Haugerud, Halfdan Ullmann Tøndel a