"You Can Never Satisfy a Kid": Stellan Skarsgård Confronts His Own Fatherhood in 'Sentimental Value'

Shaking hands but keeping the fists clenched. Stellan Skarsgård never thought he shared traits with his "deadbeat dad" character in the new film Sentimental Value—until his own son held up a mirror. According to {keyword: Entertainment Weekly, the actor's son bluntly asked him, "Do you recognize yourself?" after seeing the film, sparking a candid reflection on the impossibility of being a perfect parent.

Blurring the Lines Between Fiction and Reality

In Joachim Trier’s latest feature, Skarsgård portrays Gustav Borg, a self-absorbed director who abandoned his daughters. While the actor initially felt his real life was "totally different," he eventually admitted that he might not have been "totally present" while raising his {stat: 8 children. "You can never be a good parent to a kid," Skarsgård opined, "because truthfully, they have things to complain about because we’re only human."

Managing a household of 8 is a Herculean task, and the Mamma Mia star noted that perfection is simply "impossible." He emphasized a mutual tolerance between him and his children, allowing each other the freedom to pursue their own paths without the traditional constraints of parental activities like attending every soccer practice—something he joked would make him "die of boredom."

A First Oscar Nod in a 50-Year Career?

Analysts are buzzing about a potential Best Supporting Actor nomination for Skarsgård, which would be his first recognition from the Academy in a career spanning 50 years. While he remains humble, noting he has done well without them, the stakes are heightened by a family twist: his son Alexander Skarsgård is also in the awards conversation for his role in 'Pillion'.

"The gloves are off," the elder Skarsgård joked about competing against his son. Whether he takes home the gold or not, the actor seems more concerned with the film's impact on cinema and his ongoing relationship with his very honest children.