Get ready for a first! The upcoming Palm Springs International Film Awards are shaking things up by bestowing their prestigious International Star Award on an entire ensemble cast—a groundbreaking move in the festival's history!
TL;DR: Quick Takes on This Exciting Film News
- The cast of Joachim Trier's "Sentimental Value" (Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and Elle Fanning) will collectively receive the International Star Award.
- This marks the first time an ensemble has been honored with this specific award, breaking tradition from past individual recipients.
- The Norwegian film, which premiered to a 19-ovation standing ovation at Cannes, is Norway's official submission for the Best International Feature Film Oscar.
Imagine an award usually reserved for singular, dazzling performances suddenly opening its arms to a whole team. That's exactly what's happening at the Palm Springs International Film Awards this January! The highly anticipated Norwegian film, "Sentimental Value," is about to make a splash not just with its poignant story, but with its entire leading cast being honored together.
On January 3rd, 2026, the ensemble of Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and Elle Fanning will step onto the stage at the Palm Springs Convention Center to accept the International Star Award. What makes this particularly noteworthy is that it's the very first time this accolade has been presented to a group of actors rather than an individual. Director Joachim Trier, known for his critically acclaimed "The Worst Person in the World," will have the honor of presenting the award to his talented cast.
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Unpacking the Heartfelt Story Behind "Sentimental Value"
So, what exactly is "Sentimental Value" all about? It's a Norwegian drama that delves deep into complex family dynamics, focusing on two sisters, Nora (Renate Reinsve) and Agnes (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas). They're trying to reconnect with their estranged father, Gustav (Stellan Skarsgård), a filmmaker who's seen better days.
Things get even more complicated when Gustav, eager for a comeback, offers Nora the lead role in his new film—a personal project about his own mother. When Nora declines, he unexpectedly gives the part to a rising American star, played by Elle Fanning. This twist creates a swirl of emotions, old wounds, and fragile family tensions, forcing everyone to confront their past and present. The film premiered to an extraordinary 19-ovation standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival in May, a rare feat that instantly generates significant buzz. Source: [Variety, 'Sentimental Value' Cast to Receive International Star Award at Palm Springs International Film Awards, November 5, 2025]
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Why This Ensemble Award is a Game-Changer for International Cinema
Giving the International Star Award to an ensemble is more than just a nod to great acting; it’s a statement. Palm Springs International Film Festival Chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi highlighted this shift, stating, "This extraordinary group embodies the very spirit of international cinema that our festival celebrates. Their deeply felt performances illuminate Joachim Trier’s moving story of family and reconciliation. With ‘Sentimental Value’ representing Norway for Best International Feature Film, we are thrilled to recognize a film and cast whose impact resonates across cultures and continents." Source: [The Hollywood Reporter, The cast of 'Sentimental Value' will be the recipient of this year’s International Star Award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, November 5, 2025]
Quote Box:
"We are proud to present the International Star Award to the cast of ‘Sentimental Value,’ the first time this honor has been given to an ensemble. This extraordinary group embodies the very spirit of international cinema that our festival celebrates. Their deeply felt performances illuminate Joachim Trier’s moving story of family and reconciliation. With ‘Sentimental Value’ representing Norway for best international feature film, we are thrilled to recognize a film and cast whose impact resonates across cultures and continents."
— Nachhattar Singh Chandi, Palm Springs International Film Festival Chairman
Typically, this award has gone to singular powerhouses like Nicole Kidman, Carey Mulligan, Michelle Yeoh, Penélope Cruz, Helen Mirren, Saoirse Ronan, and Charlize Theron. Many of these past recipients, like Michelle Yeoh who won an Oscar for "Everything Everywhere All At Once," went on to secure Academy Award nominations or wins. While an ensemble win doesn't guarantee individual acting Oscar nods, especially for an international feature, it significantly boosts visibility and conversation around the performances, which is crucial during awards season. Source: [Next Best Picture, The Palm Springs International Film Awards Will Honor The Cast Of 'Sentimental Value' With The International Star Award, November 5, 2025]
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"Sentimental Value" on the Road to the Oscars
Beyond this unique ensemble recognition, "Sentimental Value" carries additional weight as Norway's official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at next year's Academy Awards. This places it directly in the global spotlight, making the Palm Springs recognition an important early step in its Oscar journey.
Palm Springs is often an early bellwether, a festival known for highlighting films and performances that go on to make waves throughout awards season. This award, presented by Kering and sponsored by Entertainment Tonight, definitely puts "Sentimental Value" on the map for voters and audiences alike. The festival itself runs from January 2nd to January 11th, with the awards gala kicking off early in the program.
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Navigating the Awards Landscape: What This Means
While winning an ensemble award is fantastic, it's fair to consider a couple of counterpoints. First, it's just one festival award, and the path to an Oscar nomination, especially for acting, is long and competitive, particularly for international films that might not have as wide a release as Hollywood blockbusters. However, this high-profile recognition from a respected festival like Palm Springs provides immense momentum. It validates the film's artistic merit and collective performances, making it a stronger contender in a crowded field.
Second, an ensemble award doesn't necessarily single out one actor for individual Oscar glory. Yet, the past track record shows that films recognized here often see their stars gain significant traction. For example, the spotlight on the "Sentimental Value" ensemble could very well lead to increased attention for individual actors like Renate Reinsve or Stellan Skarsgård, pushing their names into the conversation for Best Actress or Best Supporting Actor categories, alongside the film's main International Feature Film campaign.
Example of Impact: The Festival Catalyst
Think of a small indie film from a few years back that, after a major festival win, suddenly found itself on everyone's must-see list, leading to an unexpected Oscar nomination. This kind of early, high-profile recognition, especially for an ensemble, can kickstart that exact journey. It brings films like "Sentimental Value" to a much broader audience than traditional distribution alone might, making it a powerful catalyst for buzz and critical acclaim.
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Practical Takeaways for Film Fans
- Add "Sentimental Value" to Your Watchlist: Keep an eye out for news on its wider release, as this film is clearly generating significant awards buzz.
- Follow the Oscar Race: As Norway's submission, "Sentimental Value" is a strong contender for Best International Feature Film, and its cast's recognition could even spark individual acting nominations.
- Appreciate Ensemble Acting: This award highlights the incredible power of a cohesive cast working together to tell a compelling story, a beautiful reminder that cinema is often a collaborative art form.
- Discover International Gems: Use this opportunity to explore more acclaimed international cinema, as festivals like Palm Springs are fantastic platforms for showcasing global talent.
Sources:
- Variety – 'Sentimental Value' Cast to Receive International Star Award at Palm Springs International Film Awards (Andrew McGowan, November 5, 2025)
- The Hollywood Reporter – The cast of 'Sentimental Value' will be the recipient of this year’s International Star Award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival (Beatrice Verhoeven, November 5, 2025)
- Deadline – The Palm Springs Film Festival kicked off its giving season Wednesday, revealing that the cast of Joachim Trier’s Cannes hit 'Sentimental Value' will receive its International Star Award (Erik Pedersen, November 5, 2025)
- Next Best Picture – The Palm Springs International Film Awards Will Honor The Cast Of 'Sentimental Value' With The International Star Award (Matt Neglia, November 5, 2025)