Pihla Viitala

Hailing from Finland, Pihla Viitala has carved a compelling path in the acting world, showcasing her versatility across both Finnish and international screens. After honing her craft at the Helsinki Theatre Academy, she embarked on a career marked by memorable performances, building a strong foundation within Finnish cinema through roles in films like Ganes, Tears of April, and Bad Family. Her talent for portraying complex characters earned her recognition, including a Jussi Award nomination for Best Leading Actress for her work in Star Boys. Viitala's skills soon garnered attention beyond her home country, leading to parts in international productions such as the unique Icelandic horror-comedy Reykjavik Whale Watching Massacre and the Hollywood fantasy film Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters, where she appeared as Mina. She also made significant strides in television, featuring prominently in the Finnish series Mustat lesket (Black Widows). It was her magnetic lead performance as the tenacious detective Sofia Karppi in the crime drama Karppi, distributed internationally as Deadwind, that cemented her reputation globally; the role not only captivated audiences worldwide via streaming but also secured her a coveted Golden Venla award for Best Actress. This critically acclaimed portrayal underscored her ability to anchor a series with depth and intensity. Recognized early on as a European Film Promotion Shooting Star at the Berlin International Film Festival, Pihla Viitala consistently selects projects that challenge her and captivate viewers, leaving a distinct mark on contemporary film and television.