In an emotional acceptance speech, Thomas Vinterberg spoke of his daughter while accepting an Academy Award for Best International Feature Film. He delivered the touching tribute while wiping tears from his eyes.
His film, Another Round, was just four days into shooting when his daughter, Ida, was killed in a car accident.
Thomas Vinterberg Paid Tribute to His Late Daughter While Accepting an Oscar for ‘Another Round’ Which He Called a ‘Monument’ to Her.
Another Round is a comedic drama that tells the story of four friends (Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Bo Larsen, Magnus Millang and Lars Ranthe) who suggest that raising their blood alcohol content to certain level and maintaining it will improve their lives.
In his remarks at the 93rd Academy Awards, Vinterberg said he set out to make a film that “celebrates life.”
“This is beyond anything I could ever imagine—except this is something I’ve always imagined…and here I am. It’s real. It’s amazing.”
— ABC News (@ABC) April 26, 2021
“Another Round” from Denmark wins the Oscar for International Feature Film.” https://t.co/sdgeoBK7lX #Oscars pic.twitter.com/MnF0PXT8Vn
As he was trying to create art that celebrated life, his daughter, unfortunately, lost her own. Just days after production on Another Round began, his daughter was killed in a car crash.
“We miss her, and I love her,” the director said in a heartfelt and emotional admission.
He said that two months before filming began that his daughter was in Africa. The filmmaker said that he sent her a copy of the script to assess and she replied in praise of the project.
“She had just read the script and she was glowing with excitement. She loved this and she felt seen by this. And she was supposed to be in this,” Vinterberg revealed. “And if anyone dares to believe that she’s here with us somehow, you’ll be able to see her clapping and cheering with us. We ended up making this movie for her, as her monument.”
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Vinterberg concluded his acceptance speech by addressing his daughter directly.
“So Ida, this is a miracle that just happened, and you’re a part of this miracle. Maybe you’ve been pulling some strings somewhere, I don’t know. But this one is for you. Thank you very much.”
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