Elizaveta Maximová won the best actress award at the Seoul International Drama Awards 2026 for her role in Czech Television’s drama Mom, outperforming a record-breaking field of 352 entries from 46 countries and regions.
International Recognition in Seoul
The Seoul International Drama Awards recognized Maximová on October 8, 2026, for her portrayal of Lilian, a young mother with an intellectual disability fighting to rebuild her life with her daughter. Organizers noted the depth of her performance, which explores the struggles of a marginalized parent against a restrictive society. Maximová expressed deep gratitude during her acceptance speech, stating that the project allowed her to reach audiences on the other side of the world despite its relatively intimate Czech origins.
The triumph places Maximová alongside previous winners of international accolades at the festival, such as Cate Blanchett for Disclaimer and Kim Min-ha for Pachinko. The actress wore a gown designed by Barbora Kotěšovcová, winner of the Mattoni Young Fashion Stars competition, paired with jewelry by Janja Prokić, on the red carpet in South Korea.
Physical Transformation for the Role of Lilian
Director Jiří Strach praised Maximová’s dedication, comparing her intense preparation to Hollywood-level commitment. To authentically capture Lilian, who possesses an IQ around 50, the actress gained over eight kilograms and worked to alter her physical tempo and muscle movements. Maximová spent two hours daily in the makeup chair and remained in character between scenes, even volunteering at a psychiatric hospital to understand her character’s lived reality.
Domestically, the television film drew nearly 900,000 viewers during its Christmas premiere on Czech Television. While Maximová received a Czech Lion nomination for the performance, the award ultimately went to Kateřina Falbrová for Choirmaster.
Maximová films new projects and performs in Prague
Maximová is already engaged in several contrasting film and television productions following her success with Mom. She recently completed filming the fairy tale Lazy Kingdom, where she plays the main antagonist, and wrapped work on the crime series Burnt Mountain for prima+, partnering with actor Petr Čtvrtníček. She also performs in the critically acclaimed monodrama PSYCHOdrama at Prague’s Viola Theatre.
What is the plot of Máma?
What is the plot of the award-winning film Máma?
Directed by Jiří Strach, the Czech Television drama follows an intellectually disabled young mother and her small daughter who are forced to flee after the death of the only person protecting their fragile life together. The story combines elements of a road movie and a family drama across two temporal planes.
Which international stars previously won awards at the Seoul International Drama Awards?
Previous honorees at the festival include Cate Blanchett for the psychodrama series Disclaimer and South Korean actress Kim Min-ha for the second season of Pachinko, alongside figures like Elle Fanning and Lucy Liu.
What other projects is Elizaveta Maximová currently working on?
Maximová stars as the main villain in the upcoming fairy tale film Lazy Kingdom and forms an investigative duo with Petr Čtvrtníček in the prima+ crime series Burnt Mountain. She also maintains a stage presence in the monodrama PSYCHOdrama at Prague’s Divadlo Viola.
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