With A24’s “Backrooms” generating buzz online following its release, its star Renate Reinsve has found herself firmly in the spotlight. The Norwegian actress is having a career-defining year, with “Fjord,” one of her latest films, recently taking home the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. As her international profile continues to soar, Reinsve has emerged as one of Europe’s most acclaimed performers. Here are five things to know about the actress everyone is talking about
She grew up in a tiny Norwegian town
Long before she became one of Europe’s most acclaimed actresses, Reinsve grew up in Solbergelva, a small town in southeastern Norway surrounded by forests and farmland. While many of her peers were immersed in mainstream pop culture, she gravitated towards philosophy books, David Lynch films and Pink Floyd records. She also spent years as a competitive swimmer before deciding at 17 that the sport no longer fulfilled her. In search of a new direction, she moved to Edinburgh, where she first discovered acting through the city’s renowned Fringe Festival.
She nearly gave up acting for carpentry
One of the most remarkable twists in Reinsve’s career came before her breakthrough. After graduating from acting school, she spent years taking on supporting roles in film and television that left her creatively unfulfilled. Frustrated by the lack of meaningful opportunities, she decided to leave acting behind and pursue carpentry, a craft she loved for its hands-on and meditative nature. Then, in a twist of fate, director Joachim Trier called with an offer to star in The Worst Person in the World just one day after she decided to quit acting.
She made history as the first Norwegian performer to win Cannes Best Actress
After landing the lead role in The Worst Person in the World, Reinsve’s life changed overnight. She stars as Julie, a vibrant yet deeply indecisive young woman navigating love, career choices and the uncertainties of adulthood in Oslo. Her emotionally nuanced performance resonated with audiences worldwide, earning her the Best Actress prize at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival. The win also made Reinsve the first Norwegian actress to receive the honour and established her as one of Europe’s most exciting acting talents.
She’s built an extraordinary Cannes-Winning Streak
Winning Best Actress was only the beginning. In the years that followed, Reinsve became closely associated with some of Cannes’ biggest success stories. After The Worst Person in the World in 2021, she appeared in Armand, which won the Caméra d’Or in 2024, and Sentimental Value, which received the Grand Prix in 2025. This year, Cristian Mungiu’s Fjord won the Palme d’Or, giving her an extraordinary run of four major Cannes-winning films in just six years. Beyond Cannes, she also earned her first Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for Sentimental Value in 2026.
The fashion world has also embraced her
Outside of acting, Reinsve has also become a favourite of the luxury fashion world. As a Friend of the House for Louis Vuitton, she is frequently dressed by creative director Nicolas Ghesquière for premieres, award ceremonies and festival appearances. Whether in sharp, gender-neutral tailoring or striking sculptural gowns, she carries both with effortless confidence. Her distinctive blend of experimentation and understated elegance has made her a standout presence on the red carpet.
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