Skarsgård was nominated for playing Gustav Borg, an absentee filmmaker father who tries to reconnect with his estranged daughter by offering her the lead role in his comeback movie. The film, directed by Joachim Trier, received nine Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best International Feature. Skarsgård primarily speaks Swedish in the film, particularly when talking to his daughters.
According to Dagens Nyheter, Skarsgård described the role as one of the best he had with one of the best directors, adding that he could die peacefully now. The nomination was Skarsgård's first in his career. He walked the red carpet with his wife Megan Everett and appeared relieved that the Oscars marked the end of a long PR campaign that had been ongoing since the film's world premiere at Cannes 2025.
I would probably take the Oscar home if I won.
According to SVT Kultur, Skarsgård described his plans to go home to Sweden and relax rather than celebrate in any special way. He had traveled for over nine months with colleagues to promote the film. The only male Swedish actor previously nominated for an Oscar was Max von Sydow, for 'Pelle the Conqueror' (1989) and 'Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close' (2012).
In the Best Supporting Actor category, Skarsgård was up against Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro, Jacob Elordi, and Delroy Lindo. m. ET.
Sean Penn is the hardest to beat among my nominated colleagues.
Conan O'Brien hosted the event, with Matt Berry serving as announcer. Presenters included Rose Byrne, Nicole Kidman, Jimmy Kimmel, and others, alongside previously announced names like Will Arnett and Anne Hathaway. During the telecast, O'Brien's humor tied the room together, and the show was smoothly run with few speech interruptions.
A tie in the live-action short award was handled expertly by presenter Kumail Nanjiani. Jessie Buckley, nominated for lead actress for 'Hamnet', was praised by other attendees. During a commercial break, Elle Fanning chatted with Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner, and Leonardo DiCaprio locked fingers with Benicio del Toro.
I won't celebrate in any special way if I win; I plan to go home to Sweden and relax.
Guests received a snack box with a note from O'Brien calling it a 'Moderately Happy Meal'. Jesse Plemons declined a drink from a server, who joked about peer pressure.
The nomination doesn't matter much to me personally, but I hope it boosts Scandinavian film.
I haven't thought much about the nomination for myself, but it makes a huge difference for the film.
It was one of the best roles I had with one of the best directors, and I could die peacefully now.
I will be free after the Oscars.
I hadn't realized the category-shaking factor of my nomination.
The nine nominations will allow the film's 'family' to stick together on their campaign trail for a little longer.
My phone was blocked with calls and texts after the nomination news.
The Oscar nomination helped me feel things are back on track after my stroke.
There will be blood.
There aren't many talented scripts coming my way.