The Stockholm International Film Festival wrapped up its 36th edition with a dazzling awards evening at the Rigoletto Cinema on the night of the 14th of November — and a host of unforgettable winners were announced. From deeply personal dramas to powerful shorts, here are the standout films and talents honoured this year. This year’s Bronze Horse for Best Film goes to Slovakia’s Oscar submission Father, by Tereza Nvotová.
The Slovak film Father has made a strong and lasting impression on the Stockholm Film Festival jury, managing to take home two major awards at this year’s festival. With its masterful depiction of the aftermath of parenthood’s deepest fears, Father is therefore awarded Best Film. Best Screenplay also goes to Father, where director and screenwriter Tereza Nvotová, together with Dusan Budzak, has crafted a story that both grabs hold and lingers.
The award for Best Director goes to Mascha Schilinski for her work on the acclaimed film Sound of Falling. Best Cinematography goes to Evgenia Alexandrova for her color-saturated and retro-scented cinematography in Brazil’s Oscar submission The Secret Agent. For the role of I-Ann in the warm film Left-handed Girl, Shih Yuan Ma receives the award for Best Actress, while Best Actor goes to Harry Melling for his role as the love-hungry Colin in the queer drama Pillion.
The jurys motivation for the Best Film award to Father reads:
“This unflinching story – inspired by real events – invites us into a family’s collapse and offers a devastating study in guilt and the complexity of forgiveness. The lead actor delivers unforgettable realism and raw vulnerability. With long, intense takes and a camera that sometimes feels like a silent witness, the film forces us to ask whether absolution – legal or moral – is ever possible. For its fearless storytelling, its endlessly unpredictable dramatic progression, gripping performances, and masterful artistry, the award for Best Film goes to Father.”
Best Documentary goes to the powerful Ukrainian war portrayal 2000 Meters to Andriivka by Oscar-winning director Mstyslav Chernov. The international film critics’ jury FIPRESCI has named No Other Choice by renowned South Korean director Park Chan-wook as Best Film. The award for Best Debut goes to Iraqi director Hasan Hadi for the acclaimed The Dictator’s Cake. Actor Nils Wetterholm, most recently seen in The Dance Club, is crowned this year’s TV4 Rising Star.
Johan Stavsjö literaly jumped on stage full of joy to receive the the coveted 1KM film award with 400,000 SEK to develop and produce the short film of the script he pitched for the jury during this year’s festival.
The surprise of the night came when actress Isabella Rosellini took to the stage to greet and thank the Stockholm International Film Festival. She has previously been awarded the Lifetime Achievement award in 2020 but for obvious reasons during lockdown that year she was not able to visit the festival to receive her award and this year she came as a special guest. She spoke about her love for Swedish creativity and about her mother Ingrid Bergman.
Bronze Horse and the Major Awards
- Best Film (Bronze Horse): Father by Tereza Nvotová
The festival jury awarded its top prize to Father, a Slovak film that has clearly made a powerful impact. The story is a raw and unflinching exploration of parenthood’s most painful fears, and the jury praised its “fearless storytelling, endlessly unpredictable drama, gripping performances and masterful artistry.” - Best Screenplay: Tereza Nvotová & Dušan Budzák, Father
- Best Director: Mascha Schilinski for Sound of Falling
- Best Cinematography: Evgenia Alexandrova for The Secret Agent — noted for her richly coloured, retro-tinged visuals in Brazil’s submission.
- Best Actor: Harry Melling for Pillion, playing the love-hungry Colin.
- Best Actress: Shih Yuan Ma in Left-handed Girl, for her warm and nuanced performance.
- Best Debut: Hasan Hadi for The Dictator’s Cake, marking a strong first feature.
Documentaries, Shorts & More
- Best Documentary: 2000 Meters to Andriivka by Mstyslav Chernov – a powerful portrayal of war and its human cost.
- Best Short Film: Skin on Skin by Simon Schneckenburger
- Best Nordic Short: Sorry I’m Late (But I Brought a Choir) by Håkon Anton Olavsen.
- FIPRESCI – International Film Critics’ Award: No Other Choice by Park Chan-wook.
Rising Star & Emerging Talents
- TV4 Rising Star Award 2025: Nils Wetterholm
The young Swedish actor was awarded this honour, receiving a Kosta Boda figurine and a trip to Cannes 2026. The jury praised his ability to “draw us into the story … with his attentive gaze” and his powerful, understated performance. - 1 KM Film Awards:
- Winner: Johan Stavsjö for Work Ethics, receiving 400,000 SEK in production support.
- Script Development Award: Dea Saračević for Silence
- Honourable Mention: Balder Ljunggren for LOUD
The award ceremony wasn’t just a celebration of cinema – it was a reminder of the festival’s commitment to both artistic excellence and new talent. From the deeply emotional Father to the intimate and impactful short DIJA, this year’s winners highlight the breadth of global storytelling. Your Living City Stockholm congratulates all the laureates and looks forward to seeing how their careers continue to grow.
