‘Eagles of the Republic’ Leads 2026 Guldbaggen Nominations Amid Industry Challenges

The nominations for the 2026 Guldbaggen Awards were announced, spotlighting key Swedish films and filmmakers amid a backdrop of industry turmoil. Tarik Saleh’s political thriller “Eagles of the Republic” stands out as the frontrunner, securing 11 nominations, including Best Film and Best Director. Alongside it, “7 Steg” by Andreas Öhman, receiving eight nominations, and Maria Eriksson-Hecht’s “Kevlarsjäl” also earned significant recognition.

“7 Steg,” a romantic drama filmed across five municipalities in Västernorrland, has drawn attention with nominations for Best Film, Best Direction, Best Screenplay, and lead acting categories. The film features Veronica Maggio in her acting debut and Joel Spira, with Maggio also nominated for Best Actress. Other nominated films in the Best Film category include “Egghead Republic” and “Leva lite.” The breadth of nominations encompasses acting, directing, screenplay, and technical achievements, highlighting the vibrancy of Sweden’s film scene.

Despite this celebration, the Swedish film industry faces substantial challenges. Culture Minister Parisa Liljestrand criticized the Guldbaggen gala and the broader industry at the Göteborg Film Festival, condemning its reliance on state funds and the absence of adult-audience films. The 2025 film year was notably weak, with only 13 eligible films targeting adult viewers out of 18. Additionally, the popular Christmas release “Regnmannen” failed to receive any nominations, underscoring concerns over the identity and creative direction of Swedish cinema.

State funding for films was also cut in the autumn budget despite prior commitments, deepening the industry's financial strains. The 61st Guldbagge Awards ceremony is scheduled for January 19, 2026, hosted by Shima Niavarani.

Overall, while the nominations affirm Sweden’s ongoing cinematic talent, they come as the industry grapples with cultural, financial, and audience engagement difficulties, setting a complex stage for the upcoming awards and beyond.