Stellan Skarsgård Finds Unexpected Truths in His New Film After Son’s Reaction

Stellan Skarsgård didn’t think his latest role had much to do with his real life — until one of his sons watched the movie.

In Sentimental Value, the veteran actor plays Gustav Borg, a successful but emotionally distant film director who has a strained relationship with his daughters. The film is directed by Joachim Trier and has already sparked awards buzz.

Skarsgård initially believed the character had little in common with him personally. While speaking to The Independent, he explained that although Gustav’s family situation might look similar on paper, he felt their lives were very different.

That view changed after a blunt comment from one of his children.

“My son saw the film and said to me, ‘You recognize yourself?’” Skarsgård recalled. He quickly denied it — but admitted that children often notice things parents don’t. “You can never satisfy a kid,” he added with a laugh.

The actor, who has eight children including Alexander Skarsgård and Bill Skarsgård, reflected honestly on parenthood. He said no parent gets everything right, no matter how hard they try.

“You can never be a good parent in every way,” he said. “We’re only human. Kids will always have something to complain about — and they’re not perfect either.”

Over time, Skarsgård began to see what his son might have meant. He admitted that his career sometimes kept him from being fully present while his children were growing up. Still, he was practical about it. “I have eight kids — it’s impossible,” he said.

Known for roles in films like Breaking the Waves and Mamma Mia!, as well as the series Andor, Skarsgård said his family operates on mutual freedom and tolerance.

“I let my kids do whatever they want,” he explained. “And they let me do whatever I want.”

That independence also means he avoided traditional parenting routines. Watching soccer practice, for example, never appealed to him. “It would be so boring,” he joked. “I would die.”

Despite a career spanning five decades, Skarsgård has never received an Oscar nomination — something that could change this year. Many awards watchers believe his performance in Sentimental Value could earn him a Best Supporting Actor nod.

“I’ve done pretty well without them,” he said of Oscars. “But of course it’s exciting — and it’s good for the film and for cinemas.”

And if he ends up competing with his son Alexander, who is also in awards contention this year?

“The gloves are off,” Skarsgård said.

Sentimental Value is now playing in theaters.