When Sandra Hüller learned that two films she starred in, “Anatomy of a Fall” and “The Zone of Interest,” had been selected for competition at the Cannes Film Festival, she anticipated the potential loss of anonymity.
“People believe that you belong to everyone or that you have responsibilities to society. This is out of my control,” she said with trepidation. This sentiment arose shortly after “The Zone of Interest,” a film co-produced by Poland and featuring the Dr Irena Eris brand in charge of makeup, received two Oscars.
Over the past two decades, Hüller has earned a reputation as one of Germany’s most original theatre actresses. Her theatrical background has instilled in her the importance of humility towards the community and teamwork. Therefore, she was dismayed when reporters attempted to contact her family and schoolmates. Hüller has always held a radical attitude towards fame, primarily performing in theatre without seeking the limelight. The magnitude of her recent success has surpassed her expectations. She emphasizes her preference for people to focus on her complex screen characters rather than on herself.
Prelude to fame
She was born on April 30, 1978, and spent her formative years in Friedrichroda, a small spa town in Thuringia, East Germany. At 17, inspired by a teacher and participating in a school theatre course, she relocated to Berlin shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall. There, she gained admission to the renowned Ernst Busch Academy for the Dramatic Arts. Hüller’s ascent to prominence was swift. By 2003, upon her graduation from drama school, she was voted best young actress in a poll of German critics by the magazine “Theater Heute.” Despite venturing into film, she has remained rooted in theatre, frequently returning to the stage between film roles.
Theatre critics consistently praise her performances, and she has won the “Theater Heute” actress of the year title multiple times, including in 2020 for her role as the gender-changing Hamlet, directed by Johan Simons.
Despite her success, Hüller found living in Berlin disagreeable. Following graduation, she left the city to join the permanent acting company of a state-funded theatre in Jena. Subsequently, she performed in theatres in Basel, Munich, and Bochum. In 2006, Hüller made her screen debut in Hans-Christian Schmid’s “Requiem.” Portraying a young woman from a devout Catholic family, her character grapples with epileptic attacks and rebellious views, which her family interprets as signs of possession, leading to a brutal exorcism. Her poignant performance earned her the Silver Bear at the 2006 Berlin Film Festival.
A decade later, she garnered international acclaim for her role in Maren Ade’s comedy “Toni Erdmann.” In one memorable scene, she performs Whitney Houston’s song “Greatest Love of All.” The film was lauded by critics and won numerous awards, including recognition for Hüller’s performance. She received accolades from the London Critics Circle, Toronto Film Critics Association, and America’s National Society of Film Critics, and was honored with the Best Actress award by the European Film Academy in 2016. While Hüller was already well-known among arthouse cinema enthusiasts, her recent roles in “Anatomy of a Fall” and “The Zone of Interest” have propelled her into the mainstream film world, showcasing her original talent to a wider audience.
Double the Triumph
Both films experienced extraordinary success at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, where “Anatomy of a Fall” clinched the prestigious Palme d’Or and “The Zone of Interest” secured the Grand Prix. Additionally, they garnered nominations for the Golden Globe and Best Foreign Language Film. Hüller herself received nods for Best Actress in a Drama at the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards. The pinnacle of recognition arrived at the Oscars 2024, where she achieved a historic double nomination in the Best Actress category. She joins a distinguished line of German actresses, following Luise Rainer and Marlene Dietrich, to vie for this prestigious award.
“Anatomy of a Fall” and “Zone of Interest” represent two starkly contrasting cinematic experiences. “Anatomy of a Fall,” helmed by Justine Triet, unfolds as an intellectual thriller revolving around a successful German writer ensconced in an isolated chalet amidst the French Alps. Her potential involvement in her French husband’s demise, portrayed by Samuel Theis, forms the crux of the narrative. Hüller’s portrayal, delivered in both English and French, maintains an enigmatic quality until the final frames. Each scene, whether fraught with marital discord, tender moments with her son, or her courtroom defense, offers multifaceted interpretations.
— “The role of a liberated woman facing scrutiny for her sexuality, career, and motherhood resonated deeply with Hüller. I had full confidence that she would infuse this character with complexity and depth. From the moment we began filming, her confidence and authenticity were palpable. Every line she delivered exuded a profound sense of truth,” reminisces the director.
Sandra Hüller is known for her candidness and directness, qualities that undoubtedly contribute to her on-set prowess. Her unwavering sincerity permeates every aspect of her performance. The actress herself underscores the broad appeal of her character.
— “The film strikes a chord with audiences on a personal level. Since its premiere, I’ve been approached by countless women sharing their own experiences of navigating relationships marked by misogyny,” reflects Sandra Hüller.
