The awards season narrative is taking shape, and while many expected Renate Reinsve to be a frontrunner, her current momentum feels different. It’s not a question of if she’ll be recognized, but rather the strength of her position heading into the final stretch. Reinsve is generating significant buzz for her performance in Joachim Trier’s film, Sentimental Value, a Danish-Norwegian drama that’s resonating with critics and industry insiders alike.
Reinsve’s journey to this point has been marked by critical acclaim and a previous, notable snub. She first gained widespread recognition for her revelatory performance in Trier’s The Worst Person in the World in , a role that many believed deserved an Oscar nomination. While the film itself received nominations for Best Original Screenplay and Best International Feature, Reinsve was overlooked. This year, however, feels different. The industry seems determined to acknowledge her talent, and Sentimental Value is providing the perfect vehicle.
The film itself is a complex and emotionally charged family drama. Set in Oslo, it delves into the intricacies of sisterhood, the weight of familial history, and the enduring power of home. The story centers around two sisters navigating their relationship with an estranged father and the memories embedded within their family home. It’s a film that explores themes of love, loss, and the ways in which art can serve as a means of healing and moving forward. As one review notes, the film doesn’t chase spectacle, but instead studies the “quieter cruelty” of fractured family relationships.
What sets Sentimental Value apart, according to those who have seen it, is Reinsve’s nuanced and powerful performance. She portrays Nora Berg, a character grappling with anxiety and the pressures of performance, adding another layer of depth to an already compelling narrative. The film won the Grand Prix, further solidifying its position as a major contender this awards season. The film’s exploration of artistic expression as a pathway to healing is also resonating with audiences and critics.
Trier and Reinsve’s collaborative history is also a significant factor. Sentimental Value marks their second collaboration, building on the foundation laid by The Worst Person in the World. This established creative partnership lends a sense of trust and intimacy to the film, allowing Reinsve to deliver a performance that is both vulnerable and commanding. The film expands on Trier’s cinematic voice, becoming “richer and more sprawling” than his previous work.
The cast also includes Stellan Skarsgård, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Elle Fanning, and Cory Michael Smith, adding further weight to the project. However, it is Reinsve who is consistently singled out for praise. One critic described her performance as “Oscar-worthy,” highlighting the emotional depth and technical skill she brings to the role.
Interestingly, while the focus is on Sentimental Value, Reinsve also has another project gaining attention: a film simply titled Renate, focusing on Austrian children’s author Renate Welsh. Welsh, an 87-year-old author with over 90 works to her name, is a significant figure in Austrian literature, and the film is scheduled for release on . While details about this film are scarce, it adds another dimension to Reinsve’s burgeoning career.
The current awards landscape is competitive, but Reinsve’s performance in Sentimental Value has positioned her as a serious contender for Best Actress. The film’s critical success, coupled with Reinsve’s previous work and the strong creative team behind it, suggests that she is no longer an underdog, but a force to be reckoned with. The question now is not whether she will receive a nomination, but whether she will ultimately take home the award.
The film’s exploration of universal themes – family, memory, and the search for meaning – is likely to continue resonating with audiences and voters as awards season progresses. Sentimental Value isn’t simply a drama. it’s a deeply human story, and Reinsve’s performance is at its heart. The film’s success is a testament to the power of intimate storytelling and the enduring appeal of complex characters.
