German actress Nina Hoss shares insights into her role as Eileen Lövborg in Nia DaCosta's reimagining of Henrik Ibsen's 'Hedda Gabler' during a Variety Awards Circuit Podcast interview. The film gender-swaps a key character into a queer woman navigating academic and personal struggles. Hoss highlights the project's relevance for women over 50 in Hollywood and expresses optimism about evolving representation.
Podcast Interview Highlights
In the latest episode of Variety's Awards Circuit Podcast, released on November 7, 2025, Nina Hoss delves into her performance in 'Hedda,' directed by Nia DaCosta. Hoss, known for her stage work including a six-year run as Hedda Gabler in Berlin's repertoire theater, plays Eileen Lövborg—a reimagined version of the original male character Eilert Lövborg. This gender swap transforms the story into a dynamic triangle of complex female leads, including co-stars Tessa Thompson, Imogen Poots, and Tom Bateman.
Hoss praises DaCosta's bold choices, noting, 'When I read the script, I thought, why has no one ever thought about that? It makes it so interesting for the other female characters.' The film explores themes of internal conflict, societal expectations, and queer identity, with Eileen as a recovering addict and openly queer writer fighting for respect in academia. Hoss describes the character's unapologetic presence: 'She walks into a room full of men in suits and says, 'Here I am.'' The costumes, featuring a corset and voluminous skirt, underscore Eileen's composure and underlying vulnerabilities.
Oscar Buzz and Career Reflections
Industry observers are positioning Hoss as a strong contender for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination for 'Hedda,' potentially her first after acclaimed roles in 'Barbara' (2012), 'Phoenix' (2015), and 'Tár' (2022). Hoss reflects on collaborations with directors like DaCosta, Todd Field, and Christian Petzold, emphasizing their trust in actors: 'They have this kind of childlike curiosity—'What are you going to do with it?''
Looking ahead, Hoss discusses balancing theater and film, her recent dystopian project 'The Other Side' shot in the Alps, and growing opportunities for women in their 40s and 50s. 'I really believe it’s our time now,' she says, citing increased female-led stories and collaborations. The interview, hosted by Clayton Davis and others, also touches on the Oscar roundtable and Laura Dern's projects, but centers on Hoss's artistic journey and the film's fresh take on Ibsen's classic.