Liv Johanne Ullmann received an Academy Honorary Award in 2022 for her emotional transparency in cinema. Born in Tokyo in 1938 to Norwegian parents, she holds citizenship in both Norway and Sweden. Her career spans decades of stage and screen work, including a significant partnership with director Ingmar Bergman that defined much of her professional output.
Early Life and Education
Born on 16 December 1938, Ullmann was the daughter of Erik Viggo Ullmann and Janna Erbe. Following her father's death, she lived in Toronto and New York City before moving back to Norway in 1945, settling eventually in Trondheim. She began her theatrical career in Norway during the mid-1950s, establishing her credentials as a stage actor.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Collaborations with Ingmar Bergman
Ullmann achieved international prominence through her extensive collaborations with filmmaker Ingmar Bergman. She starred in numerous films under his direction, such as Persona, The Passion of Anna, Cries and Whispers, Scenes from a Marriage, and Autumn Sonata. Her work with Bergman earned her critical recognition, including two Academy Award nominations for Best Actress in The Emigrants and Face to Face.
Directing and Stage Work
Transitioning into directing, Ullmann oversaw the production of Sofie in 1992 and Faithless in 2000, the latter of which earned a Palme d'Or nomination. Her stage career includes appearances in A Doll's House, Anna Christie, and Ghosts. Additionally, she directed a production of A Streetcar Named Desire featuring Cate Blanchett that toured from Sydney to Washington, DC.
Professional Honors and Leadership
Throughout her career, she has held various leadership roles, serving as president of the jury at the 2001 Cannes Festival and the 34th Berlin International Film Festival in 1984. She has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Medal of Honor Dag Hammarskjold, the Peer Gynt Literary Award, and the European Film Academy Achievement in World Cinema Award.
Fast facts
- Born: 1938, Tokyo
- Citizenship: Norway, Sweden
- Languages: English, Swedish, Norwegian
- Academy Honorary Award: 2022
- Autobiographies: Changing (1977), Choices (1984)
- Professional role: UNICEF
- Directorial debut: Sofie (1992)
Questions readers ask
Did Liv Ullmann work on television projects?
Yes, she acted in the Swedish television drama Scenes from a Marriage and Bergman's final telemovie, Saraband.
What major awards has she received?
She received an Academy Honorary Award in 2022, a Golden Globe for The Emigrants, and various national honors including the Arts Council Norway Honorary Award.
Achievements
- Worked as screenwriter, autobiographer and film actor
