NEW YORK — In May of last year, Stellan Skarsgård showcased his deeply emotional family drama “Sentimental Value” at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. Over the subsequent nine months, he’s navigated a whirlwind of red carpets, interviews, and award ceremonies, culminating in his first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Notably, Skarsgård made a cameo in New York to appear alongside his son, Alexander Skarsgård, on “Saturday Night Live” earlier this January.
The 74-year-old Swedish actor describes himself as someone who becomes restless but has mastered the art of balancing work and rest. “The energy kicks in on the set,” he shares, noting that he remains active, often pacing amid long hours of filming. His son Alexander affirms his father’s vibrant energy, recounting how Stellan traveled from Stockholm and partied through the night right after arriving.
“Sentimental Value,” nominated for nine Academy Awards, explores the complex relationship between a reclusive young actress named Nora, played by Renate Reinsve, and her estranged filmmaker father, Gustav, portrayed by Skarsgård. The film, which also stars Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas and Elle Fanning, delves into the emotional scars inflicted by parental relationships.
Skarsgård has earned acclaim for his poignant performance, which director Joachim Trier praises for its daring authenticity. “Stellan is very different from Gustav,” Trier notes, emphasizing Skarsgård’s insistence on depicting Gustav as a flawed character rather than a glorified version. Ultimately, the film reveals Gustav’s yearning for connection beneath his narcissistic tendencies.
While many might see parallels between Skarsgård’s life as a father and Gustav’s character, he insists he does not identify with the distant father figure. With eight children aged 13 to 49, Skarsgård maintains close ties with his family, all residing in the same neighborhood. He fondly recalls balancing his career with his home life, changing diapers during the majority of the year while dedicating months to filming.
Reflecting on parenthood, he acknowledges the imperfection inherent in all parents, expressing his own struggles with guilt as he navigated his dual roles as an artist and father. Despite his busy career, Skarsgård believes his profession has positively influenced his children’s lives. “I think it has enriched them,” he affirms, recalling times he brought them on set, illustrating a balance between family life and his artistic ambitions.
Born in Gothenburg, Sweden, Skarsgård grew up in a family that instilled values of equality and respect. Initially dreaming of a career in diplomacy inspired by the legacy of Dag Hammarskjöld, he later recognized the limitations of that path. Ultimately, he discovered acting, which allowed him a more personal platform to address social and political issues.
His career was significantly shaped by his work in poignant dramas such as “Good Evening, Mr. Wallenberg,” which left a profound mark on him. This experience shifted his approach to acting, leading him to embrace more varied and lighter roles, including those in blockbuster franchises like Marvel and “Star Wars.”
In 2022, after experiencing a stroke that affected his memory, Skarsgård has had to adapt, utilizing an earpiece for dialogue cues during filming. Nevertheless, he expresses gratitude for his life’s rich tapestry—a fulfilling career, strong family ties, and countless memorable experiences.
As he prepares to celebrate his 75th birthday this summer, he remains reflective about age and life’s journey. “What are you going to do: celebrate that you’re closer to death?” he humorously muses. Skarsgård is hopeful for the future, appreciating the wealth of joy he has experienced, and looks forward to new roles that challenge and excite him.
In the face of life’s uncertainties, he maintains an optimistic outlook, sharing that he hopes to retain his faculties for as long as possible. Regardless of the challenges he currently faces, he cherishes the legacy he has built and the love of his family, concluding, “I feel that my life has been so rich and wonderful.”