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 Year
Stormskerry Maja – Producers: Jukka Helle, Hanna Virolainen, Markus Selin (Solar Films)
Directing of the Year
Tiina Lymi – Stormskerry Maja
Ensemble of the Year
Joel 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 Year
Amanda Jansson – Stormskerry Maja
Supporting Actor of the Year
Satu Tuuli Karhu – Apple Thieves
Breakthrough Role of the Year
Saku Taittonen – My Name Is Dingo
Scriptwriting of the Year
Miia Tervo – Missile
Cinematography of the Year
Teemu Liakka – Once Upon a Time in a Forest
Music of the Year
Lauri Porra – Stormskerry Maja
Sound Design of the Year
Svante Colérus – Shadowland
Editing of the Year
Joona Louhivuori – Stormskerry Maja
Set Design of the Year
Otso Linnalaakso – Stormskerry Maja
Costume Design of the Year
Kirsi Gum – Missile
Make-Up Design of the Year
Nora Pippingsköld – My Name Is Dingo
Visual Effects of the Year
Tuomo Hintikka – Snot and Splash
Documentary Film of the Year
Once Upon a Time in a Forest – Director/Producer: Virpi Suutari; Producer: Martti Suosalo (Euphoria Film)
Short Film of the Year
Fish River Anthology – Director: Veera Lamminpää