Elle Fanning experienced an emotional, almost surreal moment after learning she had earned her first-ever Academy Award nomination for her role in Sentimental Value.
The 27-year-old actress shared her reaction on Instagram on Thursday, January 22, posting screenshots of the Academy Awards announcements to her Instagram Stories. Fanning revealed she was overwhelmed with emotion upon discovering she had been nominated in the Best Supporting Actress category.
“I was crying,” the actress admitted, adding, “Am I in a dream?” as she processed the career-defining milestone.
The Disney alum also celebrated the broader success of Sentimental Value, sharing announcements highlighting the film’s nine Oscar nominations. Fanning went on to post a screenshot from a FaceTime call with director Joachim Trier and his wife Helle Bendixen Trier, where she appeared visibly emotional and on the verge of tears.
“IS THIS REAL!?!?!?! IS THIS A DREAM!?!?!?! I can’t catch my breath. I am in absolute shock,” Fanning wrote in her caption.
Reflecting on the significance of the nomination, the Maleficent star added that she was honored to receive her first Academy Award recognition for a film centered on “the power of moviemaking and family.” She revealed that her mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt were with her at the time, celebrating the moment together with tears, hugs, and excitement.
Fanning also expressed gratitude to her co-stars Stellan Skarsgård, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and Renate Reinsve, as well as Trier, co-writer Eskil Vogt, editor Olivier Bugge Coutte, and the entire Neon team behind the film.
“The whole house got nominated,” she wrote, signing off with the Norwegian toast, “Skål!”
Following the announcement, friends, fans, and fellow celebrities flooded the comments with congratulatory messages. Stars including Gracie Abrams, Sabrina Carpenter, Matthew Koma, Joey King, Dakota Fanning, and Catherine Cohen all shared their support, celebrating Fanning’s milestone achievement.