Joachim Trier’s acclaimed film “Sentimental Value” dominated the Amanda Awards this year, clinching a remarkable eight statuettes, including the prestigious Best Norwegian Film award. In addition to this top honor, Trier received accolades for Best Director and Best Screenplay, which he co-wrote with his long-time collaborator Eskil Vogt.
Collaboration and Creativity
In a previous interview with Variety, Trier and Vogt reflected on their creative partnership, emphasizing the importance of returning to a personal and intimate working dynamic amid the noise surrounding their film releases. “There’s a lot of stuff going on when you make and release films, and we both like to go back to that safe space and rediscover that calm where it’s just our two voices,” they shared. Vogt added humorously, “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 reciprocated that sentiment, noting, “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.”
A Diverse Array of Winners
In the international category, Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” was honored as Best Foreign Film. On the acting front, Pia Tjelta won her second Amanda for her leading role in “Don’t Call Me Mama,” while Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas won for her supporting role in “Sentimental Value.” Additionally, Anna Drakopoulou Sverrisdóttir was recognized as Newcomer of the Year for her work in “Brightly Shining.”
The People’s Amanda and Historic Events
“The Battle of Oslo,” which premiered last year at the Norwegian International Film Festival Haugesund, won the People’s Amanda. This film narrates the sinking of the German cruiser Blücher, an event deemed by some as the most significant during World War II in Norway. Director Daniel Fahre aimed to capture both the factual and emotional dimensions of this historic narrative, stating, “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.”
Honoring Norwegian Film Greats
The Amanda Committee’s Honorary Award was presented to Per Christian Ellefsen, celebrated for his role in “Elling,” and hailed by the jury as “one of Norway’s most beloved actors.” Recognizing the 25th anniversary of the first film about Ellefsen’s character, the committee remarked on his unparalleled impact on Norwegian cinema.
Lastly, the Amanda Committee’s Golden Clapper award was awarded to casting directors Mette Holme Nielsen and Jannecke Bervell for their extensive contributions to the Norwegian film industry. The jury underscored the crucial yet often underrated role of casting in developing credible, cohesive productions that reflect a broad spectrum of diversity.
A Comprehensive List of Winners
The Amanda Awards ceremony was hosted by Vegard Larsen and Linnea Myhre, with the broadcast produced by Monster for NRK. Below is the complete list of award winners:
Best Norwegian Film
“Sentimental Value”
Director: Joachim Trier
Producers: Maria Ekerhovd and Andrea Berentsen Ottmar
Best Director
Joachim Trier for “Sentimental Value”
Best Screenplay
Eskil Vogt and Joachim Trier for “Sentimental Value”
Best Performance in a Leading Role
Pia Tjelta for “Don’t Call Me Mama”
Best Performance in a Supporting Role
Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas for “Sentimental Value”
Newcomer of the Year
Anna Drakopoulou Sverrisdóttir for “Brightly Shining”
Best Children’s Film
“A Mouse Hunt for Christmas”
Director: Henrik Martin Dahlsbakken
Producers: Martin Sundland, Thea B. Kevin Karlsen and Tor Markus Iden
Best Documentary
“Flophouse America”
Director: Monica Strømdahl
Producers: Siri Natvik and Beathe Hofseth
Best Production Design
Jørgen Stangebye Larsen for “Sentimental Value”
The People’s Amanda
“The Battle of Oslo”
Director: Daniel Fahre
Producer: Knut Inge Solbu
Best Sound Design
Johannes Dekko for “Rally from Paris to the Pyramids”
Best Makeup Design
Trine Morland for “Sentimental Value”
Best Editing
Olivier Bugge Coutté for “Sentimental Value”
Best Cinematography
Kasper Tuxen Andersen for “Sentimental Value”
Best Original Score
Ola Kvernberg for “Rally from Paris to the Pyramids”
Best Visual Effects
Fredrik Fottland, Andreas Hylander, Jonas Larsen and Simon Jansson for “A Mouse Hunt for Christmas”
Best Costume Design
Alva Brosten for “Brightly Shining”
Best Short Film
“Fata Morgana”
Director: Aasne Vaa Greibrokk
Producer: Ragna Nordhus Midtgard
The Amanda Committee’s Honorary Award
Per Christian Ellefsen
The Amanda Committee’s Golden Clapper
Mette Holme Nielsen and Jannecke Bervell
Best Foreign Language Film
“One Battle After Another”
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson, distributed in Norway by Warner Bros. Discovery
