According to Variety, Joachim Trier’s film “Sentimental Value” dominated this year’s Amanda Awards in Norway, securing eight statuettes including the top prize for best Norwegian film. The ceremony celebrated standout achievements across cinema, honoring major contributions to directing, screenwriting, acting, and technical production.
Director Joachim Trier Sweeps Top Categories for Sentimental Value
According to Variety, director Joachim Trier claimed multiple major honors at the Amanda Awards. Alongside the best Norwegian film victory, Trier won the award for best directing. He shared the best screenplay honor with his longtime collaborator, Eskil Vogt.
Discussing their creative process with Variety, Vogt noted, “When I write alone, I procrastinate. When I’m procrastinating with Joachim, even if I haven’t done anything, at least I got to spend a day with my friend.” Trier added, “Eskil is my longest relationship outside of my parents. We don’t need to be silly romantic about it, but we have to be honest: it’s a real gift.”
Technical and supporting categories also favored the production. According to the Amanda Committee results, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas won best performance in a supporting role for her work in “Sentimental Value.” Additional wins for the film included Jørgen Stangebye Larsen for best production design, Trine Morland for best makeup design, Olivier Bugge Coutté for best editing, and Kasper Tuxen Andersen for best cinematography.
Did you know?
Joachim Trier and Eskil Vogt like to go back to that safe space and rediscover that calm where it’s just our two voices when they work, making it personal and small again.
Acting and Foreign Film Honorees at the Amanda Awards
On the acting front, Pia Tjelta earned her second Amanda – this time for her performance in “Don’t Call Me Mama.” Anna Drakopoulou Sverrisdóttir was named Newcomer of the Year for “Brightly Shining.” Alva Brosten also picked up best costume design for the same production.
In the international category, Paul Thomas Anderson’s hit “One Battle Another” won the Amanda for best foreign film, distributed in Norway by Warner Bros. Discovery.
Meanwhile, the People’s Amanda went to “The Battle of Oslo,” which served as last year’s opening film at the Norwegian International Film Festival Haugesund. Director Daniel Fahre explained that the feature depicts the sinking of the German cruiser Blücher under Colonel Birger Eriksen. “We kept it quite accurate, also because it’s such a thrilling story. But we had to look for its emotional side, because there’s no mention of that in military reports,” Fahre stated.
Honorary Accolades and Crucial Behind-the-Scenes Contributions
The Amanda Committee’s Honorary Award was presented to Per Christian Ellefsen, called by the jurors one of Norway’s most beloved actors for his work in “Elling.” According to the jurors, the first film about Elling was released in 2001, meaning it celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, and Per Christian Ellefsen was nominated for an Amanda Award for the title role in the first film.
The committee’s Golden Clapper was awarded to casting directors Mette Holme Nielsen and Jannecke Bervell for their contributions to Norwegian film over more than 30 years. The jury stated, “Casting is one of the most crucial elements in film and TV production, yet it is also one of the most underrated. It is in the casting process that the script meets the actors, and this is where the foundation for credibility, chemistry, and cohesion is laid.”
Mette Holme Nielsen’s credits include “Kitchen Stories” and “Utøya July 22,” while Jannecke Bervell worked on “Elling,” “Kon-Tiki” or “The Quake.” The Amanda Awards were hosted by Vegard Larsen and Linnea Myhre. The broadcast was produced by Monster for NRK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which film won best Norwegian film at the Amanda Awards?
Joachim Trier’s “Sentimental Value” became this year’s biggest Amanda Awards winner, taking home eight statuettes, including the top prize for best Norwegian film.
Who won the Amanda Award for best foreign film?
Paul Thomas Anderson’s hit “One Battle After Another” took home the Amanda for best foreign film.
What is the history behind “The Battle of Oslo”?
According to director Daniel Fahre, the film depicts the sinking of the German cruiser Blücher under the leadership of Colonel Birger Eriksen.
Who received the Amanda Committee’s Honorary Award?
Per Christian Ellefsen received the Honorary Award.
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