Stormskerry Maja, a sweeping period drama about a woman’s struggle for survival on a remote 19th-century island, was the big winner at the 2025 Jussi Film Awards, Finland’s equivalent to the Oscars, taking home six awards, including best film and best director for Tiina Lymi. The film’s star Amanda Jansson also took Jussi for best lead performance.
The Jussis were handed out at a gala ceremony in Helsinki on Friday.
Other top winners included Apple Thieves, Missile, My Name Is Dingo, and Once Upon a Time in a Forest, each earning two awards. Notably, this year introduced two new acting categories: ensemble of the year and breakthrough role of the year, reflecting the evolving recognition of performances in Finnish cinema. Additionally, the inaugural visual effects of the year award was presented, marking a milestone for technical achievements in the industry.
The prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, known as the “Concrete Jussi,” was awarded to veteran stunt coordinator Reijo “Reka” Kontio for his groundbreaking work in Finnish stunt performance since the 1980s.
Meanwhile, the Nordisk Film Award, a €20,000 ($22,000) given annually to a film that elevates Finnish cinema, went to director Virpi Suutari and cinematographer Teemu Liakka for their documentary Once Upon a Time in a Forest, which also claimed documentary of the year and cinematography of the year honors.
Check out the full list of winners below.
Film of the YearStormskerry Maja – Producers: Jukka Helle, Hanna Virolainen, Markus Selin (Solar Films)
Directing of the YearTiina Lymi – Stormskerry Maja
Ensemble of the YearJoel Hirvonen, Satu Tuuli Karhu, Antti Autio, Sami Lalou, Alex Anton, Isla Mustanoja, Esa-Matti Smolander, Asta Sveholm, Mikko Kouki – Apple Thieves
Lead Actor of the YearAmanda Jansson – Stormskerry Maja
Supporting Actor of the YearSatu Tuuli Karhu – Apple Thieves
Breakthrough Role of the YearSaku Taittonen – My Name Is Dingo
Scriptwriting of the YearMiia Tervo – Missile
Cinematography of the YearTeemu Liakka – Once Upon a Time in a Forest
Music of the YearLauri Porra – Stormskerry Maja
Sound Design of the YearSvante Colérus – Shadowland
Editing of the YearJoona Louhivuori – Stormskerry Maja
Set Design of the YearOtso Linnalaakso – Stormskerry Maja
Costume Design of the YearKirsi Gum – Missile
Make-Up Design of the YearNora Pippingsköld – My Name Is Dingo
Visual Effects of the YearTuomo Hintikka – Snot and Splash
Documentary Film of the YearOnce Upon a Time in a Forest – Director/Producer: Virpi Suutari; Producer: Martti Suosalo (Euphoria Film)
Short Film of the YearFish River Anthology – Director: Veera Lamminpää
