Elle Fanning did not anticipate waking up to tears on the morning of the Oscar nominations. Yet, that is precisely what unfolded. When the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences unveiled the nominees for the 98th Academy Awards on Thursday, Fanning discovered she had received her very first Oscar nomination. The 27-year-old actor was honored in the Supporting Actress category for her performance in the film 'Sentimental Value.' The moment arrived quietly, devoid of speeches or glamour, and struck her all at once, leaving her stunned, emotional, and struggling to catch her breath through the overwhelming shock.
A Raw Reaction Captured on FaceTime
According to reports, Fanning was at home when the nominations were announced. Rather than issuing a formal statement, she posted a screenshot from a FaceTime call that captured her genuine, unfiltered reaction. The image depicted her in tears while conversing with 'Sentimental Value' director Joachim Trier and his wife, Helle Bendixen Trier. Accompanying the image, Fanning wrote, "IS THIS REAL!?!?!?! IS THIS A DREAM!?!?!?! I can't catch my breath. I am in absolute shock." Her words felt rushed and heartfelt, perfectly mirroring the intensity of the moment.
Why This Nomination Felt Deeply Personal
As the reality began to sink in, Fanning explained why this nomination held such profound personal significance. "What an honor to have my first Academy Award nomination be for a film that acknowledges the power of moviemaking and family!" she shared. Her family was right there with her to celebrate. "My Mom, Grandma, Sister, and Aunt were here with me this morning to scream and hug and cry," she wrote, adding, "To be amongst the beautiful women in this category is truly overwhelming."
Celebrating the Entire 'Sentimental Value' Family
Fanning made it abundantly clear that this recognition was a shared triumph. She celebrated the entire 'Sentimental Value' team, writing, "I was equally overjoyed to see our entire 'Sentimental Value' family recognized!!!!!!" She proceeded to name her co-stars and collaborators, including Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas. She added, "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!!!"
The Film's Major Awards Breakthrough
'Sentimental Value' narrates the story of a woman compelled to reconnect with her estranged father, a renowned director, following her mother's death. The film achieved a significant milestone by receiving seven Oscar nominations, including the prestigious Best Picture category. This marks a major awards breakthrough for its cast and creators, highlighting the film's critical acclaim and emotional resonance.
