Stellan Skarsgård was honored at the 2026 Golden Globes with a win for Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role, a moment that highlighted both his long career and his belief in the power of cinema.
The veteran actor received the award on Sunday for his performance in sentimental valuetaking advantage of his brief but heartfelt speech to reflect on cinema and the importance of watching movies on the big screen.
Upon taking the stage, Skarsgård admitted that the victory was a surprise.
“Of course I wasn’t prepared for this, because I thought I was too old,” he said, drawing warm laughter from the audience.
He went on to thank his wife, Megan Everett-Skarsgård, describing her as “brutally supportive, a tough lover and very nurturing.”
He also gave credit to his children, joking that they helped shape his performance.
“I’m playing a father who is a bad father, and my kids have really told me what a bad father is,” he said, keeping the mood lighthearted while acknowledging the personal connection to the role.
Beyond personal gratitude, Skarsgård emphasized what the victory meant for the film itself.
He expressed pride that sentimental valuea small Norwegian production with limited resources, was being seen on such a global stage.
He noted how significant it was for a film without much publicity to reach audiences around the world through recognition like this.
Skarsgård closed his speech with a passionate message about the theatrical experience.
“I hope you see it in the cinema, because now they are an extinct species. In a cinema, where the lights go out and eventually your chair… the pulse with other people. That is magical. Cinema should be seen in cinemas.”
His words earned loud applause and resonated with many in an industry still undergoing changes in the way movies are viewed.
sentimental valuedirected by Joachim Trier, it stars Skarsgård alongside Renate Reinsve and Elle Fanning.
The film focuses on a well-known director who tries to mend his relationship with his daughters while preparing a new film starring an American actress.
Skarsgård’s performance has already garnered international attention, earning him a nomination for Best European Actor at the European Film Awards.
He previously won a Golden Globe for his work on the television miniseries Chernobyl.
At this year’s ceremony, Skarsgård competed in a strong supporting actor category that included Benicio Del Toro, Jacob Elordi, Sean Penn, Paul Mescal and Adam Sandler.
His victory added another milestone to a celebrated career and reinforced his message about why film, especially in theaters, is still important.
