Aksel Hennie is a multifaceted Norwegian artist, boasting a diverse repertoire of skills as an actor, writer, and director. Throughout his illustrious career, he has made a significant impact on the Norwegian film industry, earning numerous accolades and recognition for his remarkable performances.
Born and raised in Lambertseter, Oslo, Hennie's early life was marked by a tumultuous period, as he was sentenced for tagging in his late teens and subsequently became an outcast in his community after confessing to the authorities. This personal experience served as the foundation for his critically acclaimed film, Uno, which explores themes of redemption and second chances.
Hennie's journey to becoming a renowned actor was not without its challenges. He was rejected from the Norwegian National Academy of Theatre on multiple occasions before finally being admitted in 2001. He went on to graduate in 2001 and subsequently honed his craft at Teatret in Molde and Oslo Nye Teater, where he appeared in productions such as Hamlet and The Woman Who Married a Turkey.
However, it was his breakout role in the 2003 feature film Jonny Vang that truly catapulted him to stardom. Despite director Jens Lien's initial reservations about his age, Hennie's persistence and conviction ultimately won him the part. The same year, he also appeared in the films Buddy and Ulvesommer, and the following year, he made his directorial and writing debut with Uno, in which he also starred.
For his work on Uno, Hennie and his co-star Nicolai Cleve Broch underwent rigorous physical training for six months to convincingly portray bodybuilders. His efforts paid off, as he won the prestigious Amanda Award for "Best Direction" in 2005. He was also nominated for "Best Actor" and "Best Film" that same year and went on to win the Amanda Award for "Best Actor" for his role in Jonny Vang in 2003.
Hennie's impressive resume also includes being named one of European films' "Shooting Stars" by European Film Promotion in 2004 and "Theatre talent of the year" by the newspaper Dagbladet in 2001. In 2008, he starred in the film Max Manus, playing the role of the Norwegian war hero by that name, which boasted a large budget by Norwegian standards and received widespread acclaim.
