Pernilla August

Pernilla August
Frankie Fouganthin · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Name	Pernilla August
Caption	Pernilla August in 2013
Birth name	Mia Pernilla Hertzman-Ericson
Birth date	13 February 1958
Birth place	Stockholm, Sweden
Occupation	Actress, director, screenwriter
Years active	1978–present
Spouse	Klas Östergren (div. 1993); Bille August (m. 1991–1996)

Pernilla August is a Swedish actress, director, and screenwriter noted for her work in Scandinavian cinema and international film and television. She rose to prominence through collaborations with directors of the Ingmar Bergman generation and later achieved global recognition for leading roles in adaptations of Astrid Lindgren's works and for appearances in the Star Wars prequel trilogy. August's career spans stage, film, and television across Sweden, Denmark, France, and the United States.

Early life and education

Born Mia Pernilla Hertzman-Ericson in Stockholm, August grew up in a family associated with Swedish cultural life and trained in dramatic arts at prestigious institutions. She studied at the Royal Dramatic Theatre's acting school and participated in productions at the Dramaten and regional theaters such as the Gothenburg City Theatre. Early influences included classical Swedish dramatists like August Strindberg and collaborations with directors connected to the Royal Dramatic Theatre tradition.

Acting career

August's breakthrough came with award-winning performances in films and television series tied to major Scandinavian auteurs and adaptations. She appeared in works by Lars von Trier and performed under the direction of Bille August in films that competed at the Cannes Film Festival and garnered prizes such as the Palme d'Or. Internationally, she became widely known for playing Shmi Skywalker in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace and Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, productions connected to George Lucas and Lucasfilm. August also portrayed complex characters in adaptations of Astrid Lindgren's novels, collaborating with Swedish television channels like SVT and film companies such as SF Studios.

On stage, she maintained a presence at the Royal Dramatic Theatre and worked with directors from the Scandinavian theater scene including those affiliated with the Gothenburg City Theatre and the National Theatre traditions of Denmark. Her filmography includes collaborations with filmmakers awarded by institutions like the European Film Awards and festivals including the Berlin International Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival. She has worked alongside actors from the Nordic region and international colleagues linked to productions financed by bodies such as the Swedish Film Institute.

Directing and screenwriting

Transitioning to behind-the-camera roles, August wrote and directed projects for television and film produced by companies including SVT and independent Scandinavian studios. Her directorial work has been showcased at festivals such as the Gothenburg Film Festival and supported by initiatives connected to the Nordic Council's cultural programs. As a screenwriter and director she has engaged with adaptations of literary works by writers associated with Swedish and Danish literature, collaborating with producers who previously worked with directors like Ingmar Bergman and Bille August.

Personal life

August's personal life has intersected with notable figures in Scandinavian culture. She was married to novelist Klas Östergren and later to director Bille August; her family connections link her to the Nordic film and literary communities. She is a mother and has balanced family life with stage commitments at venues like the Royal Dramatic Theatre and film projects associated with institutions such as the Swedish Film Institute and broadcasters like SVT.

Awards and recognition

August has received numerous awards and nominations from organizations and festivals across Europe. Her accolades include national honors from the Guldbagge Awards and competitive prizes at festivals like the Cannes Film Festival and recognitions from the European Film Awards. She has been celebrated by cultural institutions including the Royal Dramatic Theatre and has been honored in retrospectives at festivals such as the Stockholm International Film Festival and the Göteborg Film Festival.

Category:1958 births Category:Living people Category:Swedish film actresses Category:Swedish film directors Category:Swedish screenwriters