Swedish Film Industry Criticizes Culture Minister Parisa Liljestrand's Absence at 2026 Guldbagge Awards

The 2026 Guldbaggegalan, Sweden's premier film awards event held on January 19 at Cirkus in Stockholm, was marked not only by celebration of cinematic achievements but also notable criticism directed at Culture Minister Parisa Liljestrand for her absence.

The highly anticipated event recognized the film Eagles of the Republic as the big winner with six awards, including Best Film. Maria Eriksson-Hecht took home Best Director for Kevlarsjäl, while Jessica Grabowsky and Fares Fares won Best Actress and Best Actor respectively. Despite the triumphs, the film community expressed disappointment over the government’s cultural priorities.

Lena Endre, a respected actress, was particularly vociferous in her critique, condemning the minister’s decision to skip the ceremony and attend the Gastronomiska akademiens awards instead. Endre stated on the red carpet that the absence speaks volumes about the government's undervaluing of culture amidst ongoing funding cuts, urging Liljestrand to "get it together." Director Tarik Saleh echoed this sentiment, interpreting the minister’s choice as a sign of indifference towards the arts. Actor Fares Fares also questioned Liljestrand’s priorities, emphasizing the significance of the Guldbaggegalan as one of Sweden’s largest cultural events and the inappropriateness of her absence.

These criticisms underscore growing tensions between the Swedish film industry and the current government’s approach to supporting cultural sectors. The Guldbaggegalan’s prominence amplifies the message about the importance of cultural engagement from political leaders.

While the awards highlighted cinematic excellence and honored figures such as Ylva Swedenborg (Honorary Guldbagge) and Jessika Jankert (Gullspira), the shadows cast by governmental disengagement have fueled concerns about the future support and recognition of arts in Sweden.

The 61st Guldbaggegalan, hosted again by Shima Niavarani, thus served as both a celebration and a platform for urgent calls demanding greater cultural commitment from the government’s highest representatives.