Prix Swissperform for 2026 Irène Jacob, Esther Gemsch, Max Hubacher and Rabea Lüthi

The prThe award ceremony will take place on Sunday, January 25, 2026 in the Landhaus Solothurn.

Best leading role: Irène Jacob ("Intraçables")

The prize for the best leading role goes to Iréne Jacob for her performance as Commissioner Josèphe Brunner in the television series "Intraçables" (co-directed by Louis Farge, Luc Walpoth, concept: Ami Cohen, Raphaël Meyer, production: Akka Films, Empreinte Digitale, RTS Radio Télévision Suisse, TF1 International).

The series follows former journalist Giulia Conforti, who works as a cab driver in Geneva after the death of her husband. When she begins to investigate the circumstances of his fatal accident, she finds herself in the sights of a hacker and is confronted with the excesses of digital surveillance.

Irène Jacob embodies Commissioner Josèphe Brunner with remarkable precision. With her performance, she lends the character a form of clarity, at times also a certain cutting sharpness, which makes the tensions of a society in transition palpable. The jury recognizes an actress whose presence inspires all those who believe in a sincere, demanding, sensitive and always necessary art.

Best supporting role: Max Hubacher ("The Deal")

The prize for the best supporting role goes to Max Hubacher for his role as Olivier Dayer in the TV series "The Deal" (director: Stéphane Bron, production: Bande à part Films, Les Films Pelléas, Gaumont Télévision, RTS Radio Télévision Suisse, Bidibul Productions, ARTE France - Unité Cinéma, Versus Production).

The series tells the story of the nuclear negotiations between the USA and Iran in 2015, which take place under high pressure in a luxury hotel in Geneva, while Iran is suspected of secretly developing nuclear weapons.

Max Hubacher plays a security guard who often stands almost unnoticed on the sidelines and yet is always present. He succeeds in playing every scene, however short, with great intensity. In the midst of an international cast, he stands out with his unobtrusive presence.

This achievement is an expression of his fine craftsmanship and his attention to nuances.

Young Actor Award: Rabea Lüthi ("Maloney", episode: "The Lift")

The Young Actor Award goes to Rabea Lüthi for her role as Lea Bleising in the series "Maloney - Der Lift" (co-directed by Michael Schaerer, Luca Ribler, concept: Luca Ribler, Noëmi Steffen, Pascal Glatz, production: C-Films AG, SRF Swiss Radio and Television).

The crime series is told from the perspective of the iconic private detective Philip Maloney, who deals with greedy entrepreneurs, unfaithful spouses and dangerous criminals. Suddenly, Lea Bleising gets involved in the investigation. Unquestioned and unwavering, the self-appointed private detective attaches herself to the old nasty Maloney and investigates the disappearance of her boyfriend enthusiastically and fearlessly in the episode "The Lift".

Rabea Lüthi strikes the fine line between making fun of the character without attacking their dignity. Strengths and weaknesses become visible without betraying the character. Rabea Lüthi's flair for subtle comedy, alternating with deeply felt emotions, is what makes the play so appealing.

Jury Prize: Esther Gemsch ("La Linea della Palma")

The jury prize goes to Esther Gemsch for her role as La Duchessa in the series "La Linea della Palma" (director: Fulvio Bernasconi, concept: Mattia Lento, Thomas Ritter and Maria Roselli, production: hugofilm features GmbH, RSI Radiotelevisione svizzera, ARTE G.E.I.E).

The series is about dedicated journalist Anna, who investigates the biggest art heist of the century and discovers her family's involvement in the mafia.

Esther Gemsch can look back on an impressive career. As a young actress, she was cast for a role in the Belgian feature film "Rue haute". This was followed by leading roles in the Swiss feature film "Kleine frieren auch im Sommer" and the TV film "Eiskalte Vögel". In the years that followed, she played numerous roles in successful Swiss films such as "Die goldenen Jahre" and "Die göttliche Ordnung". Her breakthrough came with the soap opera "Lüthi und Blanc", in which she played the character Lisbeth Rohner.

Esther Gemsch received the Prix Walo in 2003 for her acting achievements. In 2004, she was nominated for the Swiss Film Award for her leading role in the film "Haus ohne Fenster".

The jury has now honored Esther Gemsch with the jury prize. Although her role is not the most extensive, she portrays a profound and complex character. She has everyone and everything in her hands and at the same time radiates great warmth. This role is a current tip of the iceberg of Esther Gemsch's work.

The presentation of the prizes

The Prix Swissperform has been awarded every year since 2001 for acting performances in television productions. The prizes are awarded as part of the SolothurnFilm Festival. This year's jury is made up of producer Adrian Blaser, actress Sophie Hutter and Tanja Groot Kormelink, program member of the Solothurnfilm festival, together.