Norway Picks Joachim Trier’s ‘Sentimental Value’ for the International Feature Oscar Race

Norway has chosen Joachim Trier‘s “Sentimental Value” starring Renate Reinsve to enter the Oscars’ international feature film race. The movie world premiered at Cannes where it won the Grand Prize from a jury presided over by Juliette Binoche.

“Sentimental Value” was chosen from a shortlist of three Norwegian films, including “Dreams,” Dag Johan Haugerud’s Golden Bear-winning film, and Tommy Gulliksen’s documentary “Facing War.”

Co-written by Eskil Vogt and Trier, “Sentimental Value” revolves around Nora and Agnes, two sisters who reunite with their estranged father, the charismatic Gustav, a once-renowned director who offers stage actress Nora a role in what he hopes will be his comeback film. When Nora turns it down, she soon discovers he has given her part to an eager young Hollywood star. Suddenly, Nora and Agnes must navigate their complicated relationship with their father — and deal with an American star dropped right into the middle of their complex family dynamics. Reinsve stars opposite Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Stellan Skarsgård and Elle Fanning

The Norwegian committee said “Sentimental Value” is “exquisitely well-crafted in every aspect, but which, above all, makes an impression because it touches us deeply.”

“It has been a privilege to witness this evolving and maturing body of work over the last two decades, with a clear artistic signature throughout – and today Joachim Trier stands out as a filmmaker who is confident, assured, and fully at the height of his storytelling talent,” said the committee in a statement.

“Sentimental Value” is Joachim Trier’s sixth feature and follow up to “The Worst Person in the World” which won best actress at Cannes (for Reinsve) and earned two Oscar nominations for best screenplay and international feature in 2022.

Neon, which had handled “The Worst Person in the World,” pre-bought “The Worst Person in the World.”

The film is produced by Maria Ekerhovd for Mer Film, Andrea Berentsen Ottmar for Eye Eye Pictures, Lizette Jonjic and Sisse Graum for Denmark/Sweden’s Zentropa, Juliette Schrameck for Agat Films, Nathanaël Karmitz and Elisha Karmitz for MK2 Productions and Janine Jackowski and Jonas Dornbach for Germany’s Komplizen.