Norwegian drama Sentimental Value and Netflix hit KPop Demon Hunters secure major wins at 98th Academy Awards

Norway’s Sentimental Value and Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters win big at the 2026 Oscars. See the full list of major winners and the historic Nigerian connection.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 17, 2026, 6:29 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from LEADERSHIP

A Historic Victory for Norwegian Cinema in West Africa

The 98th Academy Awards marked a milestone for international film distribution as the Norwegian tragic dramedy Sentimental Value secured the Oscar for Best International Feature Film. The victory resonated strongly within the Nigerian film community, coming just three weeks after the film’s high profile screening in Abuja. This sequence of events established Sentimental Value as the first Academy Award winning production to be screened in Nigeria during its competitive season. The film is also slated to headline the Kaduna International Film Festival later this August, further bridging the gap between Scandinavian storytelling and African audiences.

Director Joachim Trier Explores Fractured Family Dynamics

Spanning over two hours, the winning feature follows the intricate life of Gustav Borg, a writer and director grappling with a traumatic history. The narrative focuses on the deeply strained relationships between Borg and his two daughters, Nora and Agnes, as they navigate the lingering effects of their shared past. In a highly competitive category, the Norwegian entry successfully beat out international favorites including Brazil’s The Secret Agent and France’s It Was Just An Accident. Critics have lauded the film for its nuanced balance of comedy and tragedy, which provided a fresh editorial perspective on the complexities of familial reconciliation.

Netflix Global Phenomenon Secures Top Animation Honor

In the animation category, KPop Demon Hunters emerged victorious, solidifying its status as a cultural powerhouse. Directed by Chris Appelhans and written by Maggie Kang, the film uses the global contemporary music culture of South Korea to explore profound themes of morality and self identity. The production has already broken records as the most watched animated film in the history of Netflix, amassing more than 236 million views. Its victory is particularly noteworthy for surpassing major studio competitors, including Disney’s Zootopia II and the critically acclaimed independent animation Arco, proving the massive market significance of streaming first content.