At a Glance
- Elle Fanning receives her first Oscar nomination for Sentimental Value.
- The 98th Academy Awards nominations were announced on Jan. 22.
- Fanning’s emotional reaction was shared on Instagram during a FaceTime call.
- Why it matters: The nomination highlights a new wave of talent and the film’s international acclaim.
Elle Fanning’s first Oscar nomination for Sentimental Value sent waves through the film community, and her heartfelt Instagram post captured the moment’s intensity.
The Moment of Shock
After the nominations for the 98th Academy Awards were announced on Jan. 22, Fanning learned she had made the cut in the Best Supporting Actress category. She reacted instantly, sharing a screenshot of a FaceTime call with director Joachim Trier and his wife Helle Bendixen Trier. In the photo, she appears to be crying while exclaiming, “IS THIS REAL!?!?!?! IS THIS A DREAM!?!?!?! I can’t catch my breath. I am in absolute shock.”
The screenshot quickly went viral, with fans praising her authenticity. The caption that accompanied the photo was a mix of gratitude and excitement:
> “What an honor to have my first Academy Award nomination be for a film that acknowledges the power of moviemaking and family! My Mom, Grandma, Sister, and Aunt were here with me this morning to scream and hug and cry. Thank you thank you thank you. To be amongst the beautiful women in this category is truly overwhelming. I was equally overjoyed to see our entire ‘Sentimental Value’ family recognized!!!!!! The gorgeous Stellan, Inga, and Renate, I will forever be in awe of you!!!!! Joachim Trier, Eskil Vogt, our editor Olivier Bugge Coutté, Maria, Andrea, Lars, our Neon team, EVERYONE INVOLVED – cheers to you all! Or as you say in Norway, Skål!!!!!!!! I am filled with so much love. The whole house got nominated!!! 🥂🏡”
Inside the Oscar Announcement
The 98th Academy Awards nominations were released at a ceremony that attracted global attention. The Best Supporting Actress race included several strong contenders, but Fanning’s nomination stood out as her first Oscar recognition. The announcement was made public on Jan. 22, the same day she learned of her nomination.
The Oscars will be broadcast live on Sunday, March 15, at 7 p.m. ET on ABC and streamed on Hulu. (Starting in 2029, the award show will air on YouTube.) Conan O’Brien will return as host for the live broadcast.
The Film and Its Cast
Sentimental Value is a drama that follows a woman who reconnects with her estranged father after her mother’s death. The film stars several first-time Oscar nominees:
- Renate Reinsve – Best Actress nominee
- Stellan Skarsgård – Best Supporting Actor nominee
- Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas – Best Supporting Actress nominee
The story centers on Rachel Kemp, an American actress played by Fanning, who seeks to be taken seriously in her career. The film’s narrative is deeply personal for director Joachim Trier, who encourages the cast to infuse their own experiences into their performances.
Interview Insights
In an interview with News Of Los Angeles at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, Fanning discussed the meta nature of her role. She said:
> “I mean, it was very meta, this whole experience. There were a lot of things that I could relate to in the character. What’s beautiful about Joachim and this film in particular is it’s very personal to him and he allows his cast to add their personal experiences as well, and he’s extremely open to that. I think you can feel that in the heartbeat of the movie.”
She added that playing Rachel was cathartic:
> “Rachel’s different from me in some ways, but there are also challenges she faces that I’ve felt before in my career, and it was very cathartic actually getting to play her.”
Oscar Night Preview
The 98th Academy Awards will feature a star-studded lineup and several surprise moments. Fanning’s nomination places her among a group of talented actresses who have made a significant impact early in their careers. The film’s ensemble, including Skarsgård and Reinsve, will also be in the spotlight.
The broadcast is scheduled for March 15 at 7 p.m. ET on ABC, with a live stream on Hulu. Viewers can expect a mix of heartfelt acceptance speeches, musical performances, and behind-the-scenes moments.
Key Takeaways
- Elle Fanning‘s first Oscar nomination for Sentimental Value showcases the film’s international reach and the growing recognition of emerging talent.
- The nomination announcement on Jan. 22 sparked an emotional response that resonated with audiences worldwide.
- Sentimental Value features a strong ensemble of first-time nominees, underscoring the film’s depth and relevance.
- The Oscars on March 15 will continue to celebrate diverse storytelling, with Fanning’s performance highlighted as a standout moment.
The film’s success, coupled with Fanning’s heartfelt reaction, marks a milestone for the actress and for the broader film community.
