Elle Fanning's Unforgettable Oscar Morning: From Late Night to Historic Nomination
In a candid revelation that highlights the unpredictable nature of award season, Hollywood actress Elle Fanning has shared the surprising circumstances surrounding her first-ever Oscar nomination. The 27-year-old star, nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the Norwegian film 'Sentimental Value', confessed she was completely unaware of the announcement because she was recovering from a late night out with her older sister, fellow actress Dakota Fanning.
A Bleary-Eyed Discovery
"I was not watching it. Dakota and I had gone out the night before. We had quite a late night. I couldn't compute," Fanning told The Hollywood Reporter, describing the surreal moment she learned about her Academy Award recognition. "I go out bleary-eyed, and I'm like, 'Mom! Dakota! Wake up. I think I got it. I think I got it.' I looked like a crazed zombie who was walking in circles saying, 'Is this real?'"
The nominations were announced in January, with 'Sentimental Value' receiving an impressive nine Oscar nods overall. Fanning expressed particular excitement about editor Olivier Bugge Coutte's recognition in the Best Film Editing category, emphasizing his crucial contribution to the film's success.
Celebrating the Film Family
"What Olivier has done with the film, and the way that it is edited and constructed, I'm so happy that he wasn't overlooked because it's so particular and he has such a keen eye and was so essential to the film," the actress explained. She added that through her producing experience, she has come to understand how editors "hold the key to your performance in a lot of ways."
Fanning revealed that the 'Sentimental Value' cast and crew have formed exceptionally close bonds since the movie premiered at the Cannes Film Festival last year. "The fact that the family was held together and that no one was left out and that we get to continue the celebration with each other is really meaningful," she shared. "I've been quite emotional about this whole experience. I'm still a little glassy-eyed and in shock over it all."
A Career-Defining Moment
This nomination represents a significant milestone for Fanning, who began acting at just two years old. "I've been acting since I was two. I've never gotten to have this experience before. (It's) my first time being nominated (for an Oscar)," she said. "It does really mean something to me, to be recognised by my peers. I don't think you realise how special that feels until it happens."
The Oscar recognition comes during a particularly varied year for the actress, who also starred in the sci-fi action film 'Predator: Badlands'. Fanning emphasized her commitment to avoiding typecasting throughout her career.
Embracing Creative Challenges
"You don't know what projects are going to come to you or what's being written at the time, but I have been very fortunate to be able to have these varied projects," she noted. "I like to be scared. I like to be terrified a bit and step into something new because I feel like that's how I have to keep pushing myself."
Reflecting on her breakthrough role in 'Maleficent', Fanning acknowledged how it opened doors while also creating potential limitations. "Maleficent, that was amazing and it opened up a lot of doors for me in that sense, but then there's a box; people want to put the Disney princess on you. I'm like, 'Wait, don't do that to me,'" she added with characteristic determination.
As the Academy Awards ceremony approaches next month, Fanning's unexpected nomination story serves as a reminder that even Hollywood's biggest moments can arrive during the most ordinary mornings—especially after an extraordinary night out with family.
