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In a landmark moment for Norwegian cinema, “Sentimental Value” has become the first film from the country to win a British Academy Film Award (BAFTA). The film secured the award for Best Film Not in the English Language at the 79th EE BAFTA Film Awards, held on February 22, 2026, at the Royal Festival Hall in London. The win marks a significant achievement for the Nordic film industry and broadens the scope of international recognition at one of the most prestigious film awards ceremonies in the world.
The ceremony, hosted by Alan Cumming, celebrated the best national and foreign films of 2025. “Sentimental Value’s” victory is particularly noteworthy given the strong competition within the category and the historical dominance of European films from countries like France and Spain. The win underscores a growing appreciation for diverse cinematic voices and storytelling traditions on the international stage. The BAFTA Awards are often seen as a key indicator of success leading up to the Academy Awards, further amplifying the film’s potential for continued recognition.
Accepting the award, a representative from the film playfully remarked, “We are usually better at skiing,” acknowledging Norway’s renowned winter sports tradition while celebrating this unexpected triumph in the world of film. This lighthearted comment resonated with the audience and highlighted the surprise and delight surrounding the win.
The 79th British Academy Film Awards also saw significant wins for “One Battle After Another,” which led the nominations with fourteen and ultimately took home the most awards with six wins, including Best Film. Robert Aramayo was recognized as Best Actor for his performance in “I Swear,” while Jessie Buckley received the Best Actress award for her role in “Hamnet.” The ceremony was broadcast on BBC One and streamed on iPlayer in the United Kingdom, and for the first time, aired on the E! network in the United States as a pre-recorded special.
A First for Norwegian Cinema
Prior to “Sentimental Value’s” win, no Norwegian film had ever been honored with a BAFTA award. This historic achievement is expected to boost the profile of Norwegian filmmaking internationally and encourage further investment in the country’s film industry. The Norwegian Film Institute has been actively promoting Norwegian cinema abroad, and this win will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for increased global interest. The film’s success also highlights the growing quality and ambition of filmmaking in the Nordic region, which has been producing critically acclaimed films and television series in recent years.
Kate Middleton’s Return to the Red Carpet
The awards ceremony also marked a significant personal moment with the return of Princess Kate to the BAFTAs after a three-year absence. She attended alongside Prince William, with the royal couple’s appearance drawing considerable media attention. Kate wore a blush pink and white Gucci gown, a recycled piece she previously wore in 2019, while William opted for a maroon jacket. Their attendance came amidst headlines surrounding the arrest of Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor for misconduct in public office, adding another layer of interest to the event. More details about the royal couple’s appearance can be found here.
BAFTA Awards 2026: Key Winners
Here’s a look at some of the other key winners from the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards:
- Best Film: One Battle After Another
- Best British Film: Hamnet
- Best Actor: Robert Aramayo (I Swear)
- Best Actress: Jessie Buckley (Hamnet)
- Best Film Not in the English Language: Sentimental Value
The nominations were announced on January 27, 2026, by David Jonsson, the 2025 EE Rising Star Award winner, and Aimee Lou Wood. The EE Rising Star Award nominees, the only category voted for by the public, were revealed on January 14, 2026. The longlists were initially unveiled on January 9, 2026, with “One Battle After Another” receiving a record sixteen mentions.
The success of “Sentimental Value” at the BAFTAs signals a potential shift in the landscape of international film awards, recognizing and celebrating cinematic achievements from a wider range of countries and cultures. As the film industry continues to evolve, This proves likely that we will see even greater diversity in the nominees and winners of prestigious awards like the BAFTAs. The film’s win is a testament to the power of storytelling and the universal appeal of compelling narratives, regardless of language or origin.
What impact will this BAFTA win have on the future of Norwegian cinema? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with your fellow film enthusiasts!