Sebastian Stan is performing a role in his native Romanian for the first time in his career, and he says the milestone has made his mother especially proud.
The American actor of Romanian descent returns to his roots in "Fjord," playing the father of a conservative family that moves from Romania, his birth country, to Norway, the homeland of his wife in the film, played by Renate Reinsve.
A Palme d'Or-winning drama
"Fjord" is directed by Cristian Mungiu, the acclaimed Romanian filmmaker described in the report as a two-time Palme d'Or winner. The film follows the family's life as it begins to unravel after the parents are accused of abusing their children. Throughout the film, Stan speaks with a Romanian accent, in Romanian, and even a little Norwegian.
Speaking to PEOPLE at the film's premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, Stan said he grew up with that accent, hearing it constantly from his mother. He said he was not sure how to describe the experience, comparing it to being right-handed or left-handed and said it felt like being able to write with his left hand his whole life without realizing it.
PEOPLE later shared the interview on social media, with a post on September 11, 2026 quoting Stan saying his mother is "very proud" of him and calling the experience of working in Romanian "that was special."
Returning to his roots
Before moving to the United States, Stan spent his childhood in Romania. At age 8, he emigrated to Austria amid political turmoil in his home country. That history is why returning to his roots to work with a largely Romanian crew carried particular weight for him.
Stan described the experience as strange yet familiar, being surrounded by people who shared a common sense of humor, an identity and a way of thinking. He said these were things he had always known but that had not truly come alive in him until he found himself back at the center of that culture, which is what made the experience special.
His mother's reaction
Above all, Stan said he managed to make his mother, Georgeta Orlovschi, proud. He said she has not yet seen the film, so he is very curious to hear her opinion. He added that he is sure she will have plenty to say, but that she is happy.
"Fjord" had already generated attention before its Toronto premiere, following the release of its official trailer after the film won the Palme d'Or.
