Sandra Hüller made headlines earlier this year when two of her films captivated audiences at the Cannes Film Festival. In a rare feat, both movies not only impressed festival-goers but also finished one-two in the awards race. Justine Triet’s “Anatomy of a Fall” took home the prestigious Palme d’Or, while Jonathan Glazer’s “The Zone of Interest” secured the Grand Prize. Although Hüller couldn’t claim the Best Actress award due to festival rules, there’s no denying that she was the standout actor of the event. Now, there is growing speculation about her potential nominations in both the Actress and Supporting Actress categories at the Oscars – a true testament to her exceptional talent.
A Remarkable Year for Hüller
As we sit down for an exclusive interview on my Deadline video series, “The Actor’s Side,” Hüller reflects on the incredible year that 2023 has been for her career. She discusses the challenges and rewards of working with several female directors, the intricacies of the characters she chooses to portray, and her past successes in comedies such as “Toni Erdmann” and “I’m Your Man,” where she played an android. Hüller also sheds light on the unconventional casting choice of her own dog in “The Zone of Interest,” adding another layer of uniqueness to her already standout performance.
Exploring Complex Roles and Languages
In “Anatomy of a Fall,” Hüller delivers a gripping performance as the German wife of a French man accused of murder. Not only does she tackle the role with fluency in English, but she also seamlessly switches to French when required. These linguistic skills further showcase her versatility as an actress and make her a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.
Meanwhile, in “The Zone of Interest,” set for release in America on December 15, Hüller portrays a German wife living a seemingly idyllic life with her Nazi Commandant husband and family, just outside the confines of the Auschwitz Concentration Camp during World War II. The film, which delves into the horrors of the Holocaust, has garnered considerable buzz and is expected to be a strong contender for the Best Picture Oscar. As if that weren’t enough, “The Zone of Interest” has also been selected as the official UK entry for Best International Film – a testament to its artistic and storytelling prowess.
Our interview takes place against the backdrop of an ongoing actors strike, which has impacted the industry at large. While some actors were unable to participate due to production affiliations, Hüller’s current films, “Anatomy of a Fall” and “The Zone of Interest,” are backed by NEON and A24 – companies that have no ties to the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). This allowed Hüller to lend her voice to the important issues raised during the strike. As she explains, these concerns are not only relevant to her as an artist but also as an advocate for fair treatment and working conditions within the industry.
As the interview draws to a close, it is evident that Sandra Hüller’s star is on the rise. With her outstanding performances at Cannes and the critical acclaim surrounding both “Anatomy of a Fall” and “The Zone of Interest,” she has positioned herself as a formidable contender for the upcoming awards season. The ratification voting by SAG-AFTRA, which will continue until December 5, holds the potential to solidify Hüller’s journey from festival sensation to recognized talent on the global stage.