At the 83rd Golden Globe Awards held on January 11, 2026, Stellan Skarsgård won Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture for his performance in "Sentimental Value". His win is seen as a recognition of his long-standing career and his strong belief in the power of cinema. During his acceptance speech, Skarsgård's heartfelt words about filmmaking and the significance of watching movies on the big screen resonated deeply with the audience.
Skarsgård humorously expressed surprise at winning, joking that he thought he was "too old". He thanked his wife, Megan Everett-Skarsgård, for her "brutal support, a tough lover, and very educational" presence in his life. He also playfully acknowledged his children, suggesting they shaped his portrayal of a flawed father in the film. "My children have been very educational. I'm playing a father who is a bad father there. And my children have really told me what a bad father is," Skarsgård quipped.
Beyond the personal acknowledgments, Skarsgård emphasized the importance of the award for "Sentimental Value". He expressed his pride that a small Norwegian production with limited resources was receiving global recognition. Skarsgård noted that it was meaningful for a film without major advertising to reach audiences worldwide through such an honor.
Skarsgård concluded his speech with a passionate message about the theatrical experience. "Hopefully, you will see it in the cinema, because they are an extinguished species now," he stated. He described the magic of watching a film in a cinema, "where the lights go down and eventually you share the pulse with some other people," and insisted that "cinema should be seen in cinemas". His words were met with strong applause, reflecting the shared sentiment of many in the industry navigating the evolving landscape of film consumption.
"Sentimental Value," directed by Joachim Trier, tells the story of a well-known director trying to mend his relationship with his daughters while preparing a new movie. Skarsgård stars alongside Renate Reinsve and Elle Fanning.
Skarsgård's win for "Sentimental Value" has rekindled the discussion around the importance of cinema halls. In an era dominated by streaming services, his advocacy for the communal experience of moviegoing has resonated with many. Skarsgård's remarks serve as a reminder of the unique magic that cinemas offer, the shared experience of watching a story unfold in a darkened room with fellow movie lovers. He criticized the monopolization of film distribution and stressed that cinemas are essential not just for theatrical releases, but for the health of streaming platforms as well.
Other big winners at the 2026 Golden Globes included "One Battle After Another" which won Best Film – Musical or Comedy and Paul Thomas Anderson won for Best Director and Best Screenplay. "Hamnet" won Best Film – Drama. Jessie Buckley won Best Female Actor in a Film – Drama for "Hamnet". Rose Byrne won Best Actress — Musical or Comedy for "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You". "Adolescence" won Best Television Limited Series, Anthology Series or Motion Picture Made For Television.
