Trier’s ‘Sentimental Value’, Saleh’s ‘Eagles of the Republic’, and Pálmason’s ‘The Love That Remains’ Selected by Norway, Sweden, and Iceland for the Oscar Race
The 98th Academy Awards will take place on March 15, 2026.
Norway – Sentimental Value (Affeksjonsverdi)
Joachim Trier’s sixth feature tells the story of Nora (Renate Reinsve) and her sister Agnes (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas), whose lives are disrupted when their estranged father Gustav (Stellan Skarsgård), a once-renowned director, reappears and offers Nora the lead role in his comeback film. Elle Fanning also has a part in the film.
Sentimental Value premiered at Cannes on May 21, 2025, where it received a 19-minute standing ovation and won the Grand Prix. It opens in Norway on September 12, 2025.
Norway’s Oscar committee described it as “a film that is exquisitely made in every aspect, but above all moves us deeply,” praising Trier’s “confidence and maturity as a storyteller” and his exploration of “a complex father–daughter relationship. The film was co-written with Eskil Vogt and produced by Mer Film and Eye Eye Pictures.
Tarik Saleh’s political drama follows Egyptian star George Fahmy (Fares Fares), who is pressured into starring in a state-commissioned film, drawing him into the inner circles of power and into a dangerous affair with a general’s wife.
The film premiered in Cannes competition on May 19, 2025, and was nominated for the Palme d’Or. Its Swedish domestic release is scheduled for November 14, 2025.
Sweden’s Oscar committee noted Saleh’s international stature, with two previous Cannes competition entries and an Oscar shortlist mention, adding that “with a strong team and his winning personality, his chances at the Oscars should be excellent”. The film is produced by Unlimited Stories, Apparaten, and Memento Production.
Iceland – The Love That Remains
Pálmason’s film captures a year in the life of a family navigating separation, blending realism with poetic imagery to portray the endurance of love and memory. The cast includes Saga Garðarsdóttir, Sverrir Guðnason, and Ída Mekkín Hlynsdóttir.
It premiered in Cannes’ Premiere section on May 18, 2025, and will have its international theatrical release in France on December 17, 2025.
The Icelandic jury praised it as “a true piece of art where every frame is considered,” highlighting its authenticity, remarkable cinematography, and “tender, poignant narrative that touches on universal human emotions.” The film is produced by STILL VIVID in collaboration with Snowglobe.
Nordic Outlook
Nordic cinema has a strong track record at the Oscars, from Norway’s The Worst Person in the World to Iceland’s Godland reaching the shortlist. This year’s three contenders bring distinct perspectives: Trier’s intimate family drama, Saleh’s political thriller, and Pálmason’s poetic ode to love and loss. The Oscar shortlist will be revealed on December 16, 2025, with nominations on January 22, 2026, before the ceremony in Los Angeles on March 15, 2026.
To date, the Danish and Finnish contributions for the 98th Academy Awards have not yet been announced, but will be updated shortly.
Sources: Norwegian Film Institute, Swedish Film Institute, Icelandic Film Centre Photo Credits: Kasper Tuxen (Nordisk Film Distribusjon), Pelle T Nilsson (Swedish Press Agency), Yigit Eken
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This week, three Nordic contenders for the 98th Academy Awards were officially announced. First came Sentimental Value (Affeksjonsverdi) by Joachim Trier starring Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, named by the Norwegian Film Institute as Norway’s submission for the Best International Feature Film category. Sweden followed with Tarik Saleh‘s Eagles of the Republic, featuring Lyna Khoudri and Fares Fares, announced by the Swedish Film Institute as the country’s contender, while the Icelandic Film and TV Academy confirmed Hlynur Pálmason’s The Love That Remains (Ástin sem eftir er) with Saga Garðarsdóttir, Sverrir Guðnason, and Ída Mekkín Hlynsdóttir, as Iceland’s entry.
The 98th Academy Awards will take place on March 15, 2026.
Norway – Sentimental Value (Affeksjonsverdi)
Joachim Trier’s sixth feature tells the story of Nora (Renate Reinsve) and her sister Agnes (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas), whose lives are disrupted when their estranged father Gustav (Stellan Skarsgård), a once-renowned director, reappears and offers Nora the lead role in his comeback film. Elle Fanning also has a part in the film.
Sentimental Value premiered at Cannes on May 21, 2025, where it received a 19-minute standing ovation and won the Grand Prix. It opens in Norway on September 12, 2025.
Norway’s Oscar committee described it as “a film that is exquisitely made in every aspect, but above all moves us deeply,” praising Trier’s “confidence and maturity as a storyteller” and his exploration of “a complex father–daughter relationship. The film was co-written with Eskil Vogt and produced by Mer Film and Eye Eye Pictures.
Sweden – Eagles of the Republic
Tarik Saleh’s political drama follows Egyptian star George Fahmy (Fares Fares), who is pressured into starring in a state-commissioned film, drawing him into the inner circles of power and into a dangerous affair with a general’s wife.
The film premiered in Cannes competition on May 19, 2025, and was nominated for the Palme d’Or. Its Swedish domestic release is scheduled for November 14, 2025.
Sweden’s Oscar committee noted Saleh’s international stature, with two previous Cannes competition entries and an Oscar shortlist mention, adding that “with a strong team and his winning personality, his chances at the Oscars should be excellent”. The film is produced by Unlimited Stories, Apparaten, and Memento Production.
Iceland – The Love That Remains
Pálmason’s film captures a year in the life of a family navigating separation, blending realism with poetic imagery to portray the endurance of love and memory. The cast includes Saga Garðarsdóttir, Sverrir Guðnason, and Ída Mekkín Hlynsdóttir.
It premiered in Cannes’ Premiere section on May 18, 2025, and will have its international theatrical release in France on December 17, 2025.
The Icelandic jury praised it as “a true piece of art where every frame is considered,” highlighting its authenticity, remarkable cinematography, and “tender, poignant narrative that touches on universal human emotions.” The film is produced by STILL VIVID in collaboration with Snowglobe.
Nordic Outlook
Nordic cinema has a strong track record at the Oscars, from Norway’s The Worst Person in the World to Iceland’s Godland reaching the shortlist. This year’s three contenders bring distinct perspectives: Trier’s intimate family drama, Saleh’s political thriller, and Pálmason’s poetic ode to love and loss. The Oscar shortlist will be revealed on December 16, 2025, with nominations on January 22, 2026, before the ceremony in Los Angeles on March 15, 2026.
To date, the Danish and Finnish contributions for the 98th Academy Awards have not yet been announced, but will be updated shortly.
Sources: Norwegian Film Institute, Swedish Film Institute, Icelandic Film Centre Photo Credits: Kasper Tuxen (Nordisk Film Distribusjon), Pelle T Nilsson (Swedish Press Agency), Yigit Eken
This post/page may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. For details, visit our Affiliate Disclosure page.
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