Renate Reinsve has steadily carved a remarkable path in cinema, transforming from a promising Norwegian theater actress. To an internationally acclaimed film star. Her collaborations with Joachim Trier, including The Worst Person in the World and Sentimental Value, showcased her extraordinary range. Blending raw emotion with subtle humor. With that experience, she has recently weighed in on European cinema.

At the 38th European Film Festival in Berlin 2026, Renate Reinsve graced the European Film Awards. She emphasized the importance of preserving authenticity and creative freedom in a rapidly changing world. Dominated by technology and artificial intelligence.

"I think European cinema really contains so much rawness and so much flaws in its form," she said while speaking to Deadline. Reinsve highlighted that these imperfections are essential, providing space for innovation and depth. And stressed that maintaining this balance ensures the continued vitality of European filmmaking.

At the awards, Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value dominated the 38th European Film Awards in Berlin on Saturday, earning critical acclaim. The film won Best European Film, while Trier received Best European Director and, alongside Eskil Vogt, Best European Screenwriter.

Stellan Skarsgård was awarded Best European Actor, and Renate Reinsve triumphed as Best European Actress. Hania Rani also won Best European Composer for the original score, cementing the film’s sweeping success and highlighting what made its tragicomedy so compelling.

Sentimental Value unfolds a story unlike any other, blending humor and heartbreak with unexpected twists, making audiences laugh, wince, and reflect on life’s beautifully flawed moments.

Inside the twists that make Sentimental Value unforgettable

Gustav Borg returns to Norway after years abroad, hoping to reconnect with his estranged daughters. His career faces decline, and he plans a film inspired by his mother Karin’s tragic past. Conflict arises as Nora resists, and Rachel Kemp joins the production. Agnes discovers hidden family trauma, pushing her sister to engage with the script. 

Tensions, regrets, and unresolved emotions shape the shoot. Ultimately, Nora performs the climactic scene, and Gustav shares a quiet, understanding moment with his daughter, finding some reconciliation through art.

Renate Reinsve stars as Nora Borg, an Oslo actress navigating family tension and crippling stage fright. Stellan Skarsgård plays Gustav Borg, her father, and a celebrated film director. Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas portrays Agnes, Nora’s sister, while Elle Fanning is Rachel Kemp, the American actress cast in Gustav’s film. 

As the story unfolds, the cast explores complex emotions, artistic ambition, and intergenerational trauma. With her performance earning critical acclaim, she continues to make headlines, having won an award and been reflected on European cinema.

What do you think about Renate Reinsve reflecting on European cinema? Let us know in the comments below.

Written by

Yusra Miraj Khan

Edited by

Aliza Siddiqui