The critically acclaimed film Triangle of Sadness, which earned producer Erik Hemmendorff his first Oscar nomination, is a groundbreaking achievement in Swedish cinema. The film’s global theme of the fashion industry is embodied by a cast of international actors such as Harris Dickinson, Woody Harrelson, and the late Charlbi Dean, who passed away three months after the film premiered at Cannes due to bacterial sepsis.
“How people perceive themselves is nothing that interests me.. There are very few that are gonna look in the mirror and say: The person I see is a savage monster. Instead, they make up some construction that justifies what they do.”
Triangle of Sadness (2022)
Ruben Östlund pic.twitter.com/G8yuOz1uc9— Doha Nabil 🇵🇸 (@dohanabil1998) February 18, 2023
In a recent interview with THR, Hemmendorff shared his thoughts on the Academy’s recognition, the legacy of Charlbi Dean, and the challenges they faced during production. He expressed his pride in the film’s success and the historical significance it holds for Swedish cinema. Hemmendorff and his producing partner Ruben Östlund have been working together for six films, with Triangle of Sadness being their first English-language feature. The film’s international cast was a deliberate choice to reflect the global nature of the fashion industry.
How many Oscar Nominations did Triangle of Sadness bag?
The satirical film “Triangle of Sorrow,” directed by Ruben Ostlund and co-produced by the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT), has received three Oscar nominations, including best picture.
Riz Ahmed and Allison Williams revealed the nominations on Tuesday from the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills, California.
“Everything, Everywhere, All at Once,” “The Banshees of Inisherin,” “The Fabelmans,” “Tár,” “Top Gun: Maverick,” “Avatar: The Way of Water,” “Elvis,” “All Quiet on the Western Front,” and “Women Talking” are the nine contenders for best picture at the Academy Awards.
Alongside best film, “Triangle of Sadness” has been nominated for best original screenplay and its director Ostlund has been nominated for best director.
Best Picture Nomination 2023: Triangle of Sadness#Oscars2023 #Oscars #TriangleOfSadness @triangleofsad @theacademy pic.twitter.com/DeRLEMFRGz
— Olly Gibbs (@OllyGibbs) March 7, 2023
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The director and the cast
Hemmendorff’s passion for filmmaking and his desire to push boundaries are evident in his approach to casting. He believes that the best actors for a film may not necessarily be found in Sweden alone, and thus he and Östlund searched far and wide for the perfect fit for each role. The casting process was akin to a global job interview, with actors from Norway, Denmark, and the Philippines all being considered.
Harris Dickinson was an early addition to the cast, and although he was younger than initially anticipated, his talent shone through. However, Hemmendorff and Östlund were determined to find the perfect fit for each role and met with actors all over the world. Dolly de Leon, a Filipino actress, caught their attention immediately, and they were fortunate to find Charlbi Dean during the casting process as well. Hemmendorff described Dean as a hardworking, easygoing, and professional actress who made everyone feel great on set.
My favorite detail in Triangle of Sadness is when we meet Carl he is most famous for a perfume ad and as the film progresses to the Island chapter he finds that same perfume bottle from his former campaigns amongst the shipwreck remains. pic.twitter.com/9GbFiGUrG9
— Jillián (@JillianChili) February 9, 2023
Sadly, Charlbi Dean passed away before the film’s global success, but her legacy lives on through her outstanding performance in Triangle of Sadness. Hemmendorff spoke highly of her, describing her as a trouper who fit seamlessly into their creative environment. The loss of Dean is a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing the moments we have with loved ones.
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In conclusion, Triangle of Sadness is not only a masterpiece of filmmaking but also a testament to the power of collaboration and the spirit of innovation. Hemmendorff and Östlund’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of Swedish cinema and exploring global themes have paid off, with the film being recognized by the Academy and leaving a lasting impact on audiences worldwide. The film is a fitting tribute to Charlbi Dean, a talented actress who will be remembered for her contribution to this groundbreaking project.