Elle Fanning Opens Up About Motherhood and the Healing Power of Art
Elle Fanning is starting the year with a bang, gracing the red carpet at the 2026 Palm Springs International Film Festival Film Awards. The 27-year-old actress, alongside her Sentimental Value co-stars Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgard, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and director Joachim Trier, celebrated their film's International Star Award on Saturday night (January 3) at the Palm Springs Convention Center in California. But here's where it gets personal: during the film's premiere back in November, Fanning revealed a deeply intimate aspect of her life—her desire to have children. And this is the part most people miss: her reflections on family, trauma, and the transformative power of art.
In an exclusive interview with People, Fanning shared that she “definitely” sees motherhood in her future. But her thoughts didn’t stop there. She delved into how working on Sentimental Value became a mirror to her own family dynamics, offering insights into the complexities of relationships and the traumas that silently pass through generations. Controversial yet compelling: Fanning suggests that while art may not provide perfect resolutions, it can open doors to understanding and forgiveness—a bold claim that challenges the idea of art as mere entertainment.
“The beauty of this film lies in its universal themes,” Fanning explained. “It’s about a broken family and the traumas we inherit, often without realizing it. Art has this healing power, though I’m not sure if anything can ever be fully healed. It doesn’t tie everything up neatly, but it might help us understand and forgive—and that’s what makes it so powerful for me.”
But here's where it gets controversial: Is art truly capable of healing deep-seated traumas, or does it simply provide a temporary escape? Fanning’s perspective invites us to consider the role of creativity in our lives and whether it can mend what’s broken. What do you think? Can art heal, or is it just a bandage for deeper wounds? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Fashion note: Renate Reinsve stunned in a Givenchy ensemble, adding a touch of elegance to the evening. For more glimpses of Fanning’s red carpet appearance, browse through the gallery below.
