Joachim Trier Celebrates Best Director Oscar Nomination with Praise for Cast

Danish-Norwegian filmmaker Joachim Trier has expressed his excitement following his nomination for Best Director at the upcoming Oscars for his film Sentimental Value. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Trier reflected on his journey in cinema and the significance of this recognition, which marks his first nomination in this prestigious category.

Trier’s film has garnered an impressive total of nine nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actress for Renate Reinsve, and Best Supporting Actress for both Elle Fanning and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas. The director described the moment he learned of the nominations as overwhelming, particularly noting the emotional impact of seeing Fanning’s name announced first. “She’s such a prolific actor… and she came to our film and blessed it with her smartness and her craft,” he stated, highlighting the collaborative spirit of his cast.

In discussing his nomination, Trier emphasized the camaraderie he shares with his fellow nominees. “I know all of them. They’re my friends, actually, and they’re really great directors,” he said, adding that being included in this group feels like a significant achievement in itself. For Trier, who has been passionate about filmmaking since childhood, this recognition is “a really big deal.”

Celebrating International Cinema

The nomination of Sentimental Value as a Norwegian-language film is particularly meaningful for Trier, who aims to showcase the richness of international cinema. “I’ve traveled around festivals my whole adult life… seen great films that don’t necessarily get the attention they deserve,” he remarked. He expressed gratitude for the acknowledgment from the Academy, noting that it represents a broader recognition of diverse storytelling in film.

Trier also addressed his unique approach to film financing, which often involves collaborating with various European co-productions. He mentioned that he prioritizes creating films that resonate with audiences without condescension. “I do a lot of screenings… for a lot of ordinary people who go to the movies,” he explained. This method, he believes, allows for a deeper connection between the film and its viewers.

As Trier prepares for the 2026 Oscars, set to take place on March 15, 2026, he is savoring the moment with his family in Los Angeles. Following this celebratory period, he anticipates a whirlwind of events, including dinners and luncheons as part of the awards campaign. “Eskil and I have been nominated before, so I know how much fun it is to be a part of this… to meet colleagues and talk about movies,” he said, looking forward to the camaraderie of the awards season.

In closing, Trier praised another film that has captured his admiration this year, One Battle After Another, calling it an ensemble work that features a “great variety of amazing performances” and commending its director, Paul Thomas Anderson, as possibly “the greatest director of our generation.”

With a bright future ahead, Trier’s first Oscar nomination not only highlights his accomplishments but also celebrates the contributions of his talented cast and the importance of diverse narratives in global cinema.