Danish actress Trine Dyrholm has won her 11th Robert Award for her supporting role in the historical drama “Pigen med nålen” (The Girl with the Needle), further cementing her status as one of Denmark’s most acclaimed performers. The film tells the dark true story of Dagmar Overby, who was convicted in 1921 for the murder of nine infants entrusted to her care by desperate mothers.
A Career-Defining Performance
Trine Dyrholm received her latest Robert Award at a ceremony held at the Tivoli Hotel and Congress Center in Copenhagen. The 53-year-old actress portrays Dagmar Overby in the film, a candy shop owner who ran a secret operation promising to find better homes for unwanted babies during the difficult post-World War I era in Copenhagen.
The story centers on women in desperate circumstances who believed Overby would help their infants find loving families. Instead, she murdered the children, a horrific truth that came to light in 1921 when she was sentenced to life in prison for infanticide. Overby’s crimes shocked Denmark and remain one of the country’s most notorious criminal cases.
From First Award to Eleventh
Dyrholm’s journey with the Robert Awards began in 2005 when she won her first statuette for the film “Forbrydelser.” Since then, she has accumulated awards for notable performances in “En kongelig affære” (A Royal Affair), “Hævnen” (In a Better World), “Arvingerne” (The Legacy), and “Dronningen” (Queen of Hearts).
In fact, her trophy cabinet extends beyond the Robert Awards. She has won eight Bodil Awards, four SVEND Awards, and a Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival for her role in “Kollektivet” (The Commune) in 2016. In 2025, she received a lifetime achievement honor at SVEND Filmdage, celebrating her decades-long impact on Danish cinema.
A Versatile Career Spanning Decades
Her filmography includes over 80 projects since 1990, marking her as one of Denmark’s most prolific actresses. She first gained international recognition with her breakthrough role in “Festen” (The Celebration) in 1998. Since then, she has balanced domestic productions with international projects, including voice work in animations like Madagascar.
The Dark Vision of “Pigen med nålen”
Directed by Magnus von Horn, “Pigen med nålen” is a black-and-white Gothic historical psychological horror film. The cinematography amplifies the grim post-war setting, creating an atmosphere that serves the film’s disturbing subject matter. The stark visuals help transport viewers to 1919 Copenhagen, a time of social upheaval and economic hardship.
The film follows Karoline, played by Vic Carmen Sonne, an unemployed pregnant seamstress who joins what appears to be an underground adoption agency run by Dagmar. As the story unfolds, Karoline discovers the horrific truth behind the operation. The babies entrusted to Dagmar’s care are being killed rather than adopted, supposedly to spare them from lives of poverty.
Social Commentary Through Horror
While loosely based on the real Dagmar Overbye case, the film uses horror elements to critique social inequalities, gender dynamics, and governmental neglect in early 20th-century Denmark. The narrative explores how desperate circumstances drove women to make impossible choices and how society failed its most vulnerable members.
Vic Carmen Sonne’s performance as the lead has been praised for its intensity. She anchors the film alongside Joachim Fjelstrup and other cast members who bring depth to this dark chapter of Danish history. The film’s approach evokes universal emotions despite its specific historical setting.
Critical Acclaim and International Recognition
“Pigen med nålen” served as Denmark’s official entry for Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards. The film has received strong critical praise both domestically and internationally. Rotten Tomatoes noted its “masterful gothic vision with profound contemporary resonance,” highlighting how the historical story resonates with modern audiences.
The film has been distributed globally and streamed in the United States and United Kingdom, expanding its reach beyond Scandinavian audiences. This international distribution has positioned Dyrholm and the film’s cast in the global spotlight, showcasing Danish cinema’s ability to tackle difficult historical subjects with artistic merit.
An Exceptionally Strong Period
Dyrholm’s 2024-2025 period has been particularly productive. Beyond “Pigen med nålen,” she has appeared in “Det andet offer” (The Second Victim) and other recent projects that have kept her at the forefront of Danish cinema. Her upcoming 2026 releases include “Begyndelser” (Beginnings) and “Hjem” (Home), suggesting no slowdown in her prolific career.
Her versatility as an actress allows her to move seamlessly between dramatic roles, voice work, and various genres. This adaptability has kept her relevant across generations of filmgoers and established her as a reliable draw for Danish cinema audiences.
The Real Dagmar Overby Case
The historical figure Dagmar Overby operated during a tumultuous time in Danish history. Post-World War I Copenhagen faced economic hardship, housing shortages, and social upheaval. Unmarried mothers faced severe social stigma, and many women had few options when confronted with unwanted pregnancies.
Overby exploited these circumstances by offering what appeared to be a solution. She promised to find good homes for infants born to women who couldn’t care for them. Instead, she murdered the children, collecting fees from the desperate mothers while disposing of the bodies. When authorities finally uncovered her crimes in 1921, the case horrified the nation and sparked debates about social welfare and support for vulnerable women.
A Living Legend of Danish Film
At 53, Dyrholm shows no signs of slowing down. Her 11th Robert Award demonstrates that she remains at the top of her craft, capable of delivering performances that resonate with critics and audiences alike. Her ability to embody complex, often dark characters like Dagmar Overby showcases her range and commitment to challenging roles.
Her career trajectory from her first Robert Award in 2005 to this latest honor illustrates sustained excellence over two decades. Few actors maintain such consistent critical recognition, making her achievement all the more remarkable. As she continues to take on new projects, audiences can expect more memorable performances from this Danish cinema icon.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Trine Dyrholm Unforgettable Danish Female Icon
The Danish Dream: Best Cinemas in Denmark for Foreigners
DR: Trine Dyrholm får 11. Robert-pris for præstationen i filmen ‘Pigen med nålen’
