Things have been “surreal” for Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas for the better part of this year. The Norwegian actress stars in Joachim Trier’s new film, “Sentimental Value,” alongside Stella Skarsgard, Renate Reinave and Elle Fanning, and it has been one of the year’s buzziest movies since its premiere at Cannes.
“I’ve never been on a red carpet before, not like that. So that was kind of crazy,” Lilleaas recalls of the festival. “And then it’s been just crazy ever since. I wouldn’t say I’m getting used to it, but I’m getting more at ease with the situation. I just have to be in the situation and sort of enjoy it a little.”
Getting ready with Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas for the 2025 Academy Museum Gala.
Shane McCauley/Courtesy Photos
Her latest appearance on the awards season circuit was at the Academy Museum Gala over the weekend in Los Angeles. For the occasion, she and stylist Nicky Yates chose a white Stella McCartney gown, paired with silver Stuart Weitzman heels.
“For me, it’s very important that I feel like myself in a way that I don’t feel like I’m dressed up in a costume, if you know what I mean,” Lilleaas says. “But at the same time, I like to play around with different looks and everything. But it needs to be comfortable and sort of natural. It needs to feel like me in a way. I think we’ve found some nice things that I feel are sort of me.”
Getting ready with Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas for the 2025 Academy Museum Gala.
Shane McCauley/Courtesy Photos
“Sentimental Value” tells the story of two sisters, played by Reinave and Lilleaas, who are navigating a complicated relationship with their filmmaker father, played by Skardgard.
“Every time I talk to people after a screening, everyone has a story about their family in some way. Having siblings or having difficult relationships with one or both parents. And people seem to, after having seen the movie, they seem very open and raw and eager to share their story, which is such a privilege to be able to be a part of,” Lilleaas says. “So I’ve had some really, really wonderful conversations with people and I feel like you get to know people. It is like an instant into getting to know someone because we have similar stories in a way.”
With the success of the film still unfolding, Lilleaas is keeping her options open as to her next move.
“Promoting the movie is taking up a lot of time and I’m fortunate that I can travel with it and I’m not tied up anywhere,” she says. “So I’m just enjoying the ride.”
Getting ready with Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas for the 2025 Academy Museum Gala.
Shane McCauley/Courtesy Photos
