Czech Lion Awards 2024: ‘Studna’ Wins Big & Švehlík’s Charisma Shines

David Švehlík’s performance in the Czech miniseries Studna (The Well) has earned him his first Czech Lion award for Best Supporting Actor, a win celebrated across the Czech film industry. The six-part drama, which aired on Oneplay, also took home awards for Best Series and Best Actress in a Series for Johana Matoušková, marking a significant night for the production. But beyond the accolades, director Kopáčová’s assessment of Švehlík – that he possesses both charisma and a “demon” within – offers a compelling insight into the actor’s captivating portrayal of a complex character.

A Long-Awaited Recognition

For Švehlík, 53, the Czech Lion represents a career milestone. He plays Stanislav Jelínek Sr. In Studna, a role described as a transformation from a kind father to an aggressive and troubled man. The series, set against the backdrop of the 1968 Vonoklasy tragedy, resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. Švehlík’s acceptance speech, as reported by Seznam Zprávy, was heartfelt, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to work with a talented team and bring such a powerful story to life. “Thank you for letting me be a part of this filming, I am grateful for that, as well as for the strong, impactful and yet unpretentious story,” he said on stage.

Studna’s Sweep at the Czech Lions

The success of Studna at the Czech Lions wasn’t limited to acting awards. The series was named Best Series of the Year, solidifying its position as a standout television production. Johana Matoušková’s portrayal of the mother in a family ostracized from their village also garnered critical acclaim. Denik N notes that Matoušková’s performance captured the isolation and emotional turmoil of a mother struggling to maintain her family’s integrity. The series’ overall success has been a boon for Oneplay, the streaming platform that hosted the series, which secured a total of five Czech Lion awards.

Kopáčová’s Insight: Charisma and the “Demon”

Director Kopáčová’s observation, initially reported by iROZHLAS, speaks to the depth and complexity of Švehlík’s performance. It suggests that he didn’t simply play the role of Stanislav Jelínek Sr., but rather inhabited it, bringing a nuanced understanding of the character’s internal conflicts to the screen. This ability to portray both the appealing and darker aspects of a character is often a hallmark of truly compelling acting. The director’s comment hints at a willingness on Švehlík’s part to explore the more challenging and unsettling aspects of the human psyche.

Švehlík’s Career Trajectory

While this is Švehlík’s first Czech Lion, he is a well-respected actor in the Czech Republic with a substantial body of work. He’s known for his versatility, taking on roles in both film, and television. Studna, though, appears to have been a turning point, bringing him wider recognition and critical acclaim. Prior to Studna, Švehlík had already established himself as a reliable performer, but the depth and complexity of Jelínek Sr. Allowed him to showcase a range he hadn’t previously had the opportunity to fully explore. He previously described the filming experience as “very pleasant” and praised the quality of the script, noting that a strong script makes an actor’s job significantly easier.

The Impact of Studna on Oneplay

The success of Studna is also significant for Oneplay, the Czech streaming platform that commissioned and aired the series. The platform secured five Czech Lion awards demonstrating its commitment to producing high-quality original content. iDNES.cz reports that the producers are already looking ahead to future projects, even while acknowledging that they don’t currently have the same financial resources as public broadcaster Czech Television (ČT). The success of Studna could potentially attract further investment and allow Oneplay to continue producing ambitious and critically acclaimed series.

What’s Next for David Švehlík?

Following his Czech Lion win and the success of Studna, Švehlík is likely to see increased demand for his talents. While no specific upcoming projects have been publicly announced as of March 16, 2026, his newfound recognition will undoubtedly open doors to new and challenging roles. The industry will be watching to see how he builds on this momentum and whether he continues to embrace characters with the same level of complexity and emotional depth as Stanislav Jelínek Sr. His ability to embody both charisma and a darker undercurrent, as highlighted by director Kopáčová, positions him as a compelling and versatile actor with a promising future.