Amanda Kernell and Anne Lajla Utsi become members of the Oscar Academy – news Sápmi

This allows them to vote on who will receive the Oscar. – This is a great recognition for Sami filmmakers, says a smiling Anne Lajla Utsi. Kernell from Umeå in Sweden and Utsi from Kautokeino are not the only Sami members in the academy. Blackfoot Sami Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers became a member in 2020. – There will be a lot of film viewing The Oscar award is given in 24 different categories, including best film, direction, lead roles, supporting roles, script, photography, editing, music, scenography and costumes. The prizes are mainly awarded to American films, with a special prize for best foreign language film. Utsi does not yet know in which category she belongs, but she reckons that it will be a few hours in front of the TV screen from the autumn. – I already watch a lot of films in connection with my job, but now it will be even more. Think if I get time for something else? Follows dubbing. Anne Lajla Utsi, together with Lisa-Marie Kristensen (right) and Hanna Nutti (left) in Sámi Filbmainstituhtta studio. Photo: Ronald Pulk / news More Sami in the academy? Since there are now three Sami in the academy, can this only be the start of a large invasion of Sami in the academy? – All members can propose a new member, so it is not impossible, says a happy Utsi. Sami film has also not been nominated for an Oscar more than once, in 1987 Nils Gaup’s “Ofelaš – The Wizard” was nominated. The iconic Sami feature film “Ofelaš – The Wizard” by Nils Gaup is the only Sami film that has been nominated for an Oscar. In the film, Mikkel Gaup had the main role. Photo: NTB scanpix Great success with debut film Amanda Kernell had great success with her feature film debut, “Sameblod”, which was released in 2016. The film premiered at the 73rd Venice Film Festival, where she won the film Europa Cinemas Label for Best European Film. It also won the critics’ award Fedeora for Best Debut Director. Kernell thinks it is great to be part of the academy. – A great honor and a little unexpected. A little strange to think that I once started making short films in Umeå, when Hollywood felt very far away. Amanda Kernell started her career with short films, since then her career has only pointed upwards. Photo: Dan Robert Larsen / news



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