Johannes Hegemann has been nominated for the “Blue Panther – TV & Streaming Award” for 2026. The actor is vying for the jury prize “Best Actor” for his portrayal of the drag queen Olivia Jones in the ZDF film “Olivia,” according to a press release about the award issued on Thursday.
The jury explicitly praises Hegemann’s performance, noting that he achieves “an extraordinary acting tightrope walk.” He approaches Olivia Jones, “an iconic figure in the German television and cultural landscape,” “with great precision, without ever slipping into mere imitation.”
Hegemann expressed his pleasure. “I am very happy about the nomination for the Blue Panther,” he said. “This is a wonderful acknowledgment of my work and our film.” Playing Olivia Jones was “something very special” for him. He thanked everyone who accompanied him and helped bring the film to life.
Apart from Hegemann, Hendrik Duryn is nominated for his role in the RTL series “Der Lehrer,” alongside Burghart Klaußner and Jean-Yves Berteloot. Klaußner and Berteloot portray Konrad Adenauer and Charles de Gaulle in the ZDF film “One Day in September.”
The “Blue Panther” is the successor to the Bavarian TV Prize, which has been awarded since 1989 and has operated under its new name since 2022. In addition to television productions, productions from streaming providers and formats for social-media platforms can also be recognized. With the exception of the audience prize, a jury decides the recipients. The trophy is made of Nymphenburg porcelain.
Who will win the award for Best Actor will be decided by the jury only shortly before the ceremony. The big award show takes place on October 21 at BMW Welt in Munich.
Only in September was the biopic “Olivia” honored at the German Television Prize as the best television film—the organizers dedicated the award to the LGBTQI+ community, according to TheColu.mn.
