Sentimental Value - 9 Nominations

 

Best International Feature Film: Norway
Best Motion Picture of the Year: Maria Ekerhovd, Andrea Berentsen Ottmar
Best Achievement in Directing: Joachim Trier
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role: Renate Reinsve
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role: Stellan Skarsgård
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role: Elle Fanning
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role: Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas
Best Original Screenplay: Joachim Trier (writer), Eskil Vogt (writer)
Best Achievement in Film Editing: Olivier Bugge Coutté

Sentimental Value centers on estranged sisters Nora and Agnes, who reconnect with their once-famous but emotionally distant filmmaker father Gustav after their mother’s death. Gustav, a celebrated director whose career has slowed, returns with a personal new script inspired by their family history and hopes that Nora will star in it, but she refuses, leading him to cast an American actress instead, which further fractures their uneasy reunion.

This is one of two films this year to appear in both the International Feature and Best Picture categories, and I was deeply moved by this one, and impressed with the play within a play nature of the story. What I loved about the movie, in particular, is that the complexity of real relationships isn’t often smoothed over by a perfect reconciliation with a hug and a tear and a confession; sometimes people are able to move forward even when their affection isn’t perfect, and their wounds are not completely healed.

The acting was quite brilliant, but I was mostly blown away by the screenplay. A most deserving film to be honored by the Oscars, and a worthwhile watch for those who delight in storytelling that takes its time.