‘Sentimental Value’ Shines at European Film Awards in Berlin
Berlin, January 18 – The Norwegian drama “Sentimental Value” has emerged as the big winner at the European Film Awards, held last night in Berlin. The film, directed by Joachim Trier, secured an impressive six awards, including the coveted title of Best Film.
The film, which explores the complexities of family relationships and estrangement, resonated deeply with the European Film Academy. Lead actors Stellan Skarsgård and Renate Reinsve were both recognized for their performances, taking home the acting awards. Trier himself was honored for Best Director and Best Screenplay, further cementing the film’s critical acclaim.
German Oscar Contender Receives One Award
In contrast, the German entry for the Oscars, “In the Sun’s Gaze” by Mascha Schilinski, received only one award for Best Costume Design despite eight nominations. The road movie “Sirât” was awarded five accolades, highlighting the diverse range of talent celebrated at the event.
The Heart of ‘Sentimental Value’
Similar to his previous work, “The Worst Person in the World,” director Trier masterfully weaves a delicate, interpersonal narrative. “Sentimental Value” centers on an aging director and his strained relationship with his two daughters. Renate Reinsve, in an emotional moment, dedicated her award to her own sisters, stating, “Without you, I would not have made it anywhere.”
Oscar Hopes for ‘Sentimental Value’
With Skarsgård recently winning a Golden Globe, speculation is mounting about potential Oscar nominations for “Sentimental Value” in the Best International Film category. The nominations are set to be announced on Thursday, which will also reveal the fate of the German entry, “In the Sun’s Gaze,” a film about four young women living at different times on a farm in the Altmark, which also made the Oscar shortlist.
A Global Stage for European Cinema
The European Film Awards, which alternate between Berlin and another European city each year, saw approximately 5,400 members of the European Film Academy cast their votes, mirroring the Oscar selection process in the USA. Around 1,000 guests attended the ceremony at the Haus der Kulturen der Welt (HKW), including film stars Mads Mikkelsen and Juliette Binoche, who serves as the Academy’s president.
Political Statements and Calls for Action
The evening was marked by several political statements. Iranian director Jafar Panahi (“A Simple Accident”) delivered the opening speech, drawing attention to the situation in his home country and urging filmmakers to use their voices. He warned that if violence goes unanswered, it becomes normalized and spreads. Several filmmakers also expressed solidarity with the people of Iran on the red carpet.
A notable political moment arose during a press conference when Trier and his team were asked about the dispute over Greenland and US President Donald Trump’s desire to acquire the Danish territory. Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgård responded, “That’s pretty absurd, isn’t it?” describing it as a small man with delusions of grandeur trying to take over the world. Director Trier emphasized that Greenland belongs only to the Greenlanders and that international law must be respected to prevent a domino effect in how other superpowers interact with other countries.
Other Notable Winners
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Norwegian actress and director Liv Ullmann (“Scenes from a Marriage”). The award for Best Documentary Film went to “Fiume o Morte!” by Igor Bezinović, which tells the story of the occupation of the present-day city of Rijeka in Croatia. “Arco” was named Best Animated Film.
German artists were also nominated in the acting categories, with Leonie Benesch (“Heroine”) and Idan Weiss (“Franz K.”) competing against the lead actors of “Sentimental Value,” as did the Luxembourgish-German actress Vicky Krieps (“Love Me Tender”). Maren Ade, Janine Jackowski, and Jonas Dornbach from the Berlin production company Komplizen Film were also honored. Italian director Alice Rohrwacher (“Happy as Lazzaro”) was recognized for her contributions to the global influence of European cinema.
Source: https://www.radiobielefeld.de/nachrichten/stars-und-sternchen/berlin-sentimental-value-raeumt-beim-europaeischen-filmpreis-ab-0.html
