Nordic Script Prize: Danish Novel “Reservatet” Wins

Gothenburg, January 27, 2026

Danish Screenwriter Wins Prestigious Nordic Script Award

Ingeborg Topsøe was honored for her work on the Netflix series “the Reserve,” a gripping drama about a missing au pair.

• Screenwriter Ingeborg Topsøe received the 2026 Nordic Series Script Award.
• The award recognizes excellence in Nordic drama screenwriting.
• “The Reserve,” a Netflix series, earned Topsøe the prize.
• The Swedish series “Färjan” received the creative Courage Award.
• The awards were presented Tuesday evening at the Gothenburg Film Festival.

A compelling mystery captivated judges at the Gothenburg Film Festival this week, as Danish screenwriter Ingeborg Topsøe took home the 2026 Nordic Series Script Award for her work on the Netflix series “The Reserve.” The award celebrates outstanding screenwriting in Nordic television drama, and Topsøe’s win underscores the growing international recognition of Scandinavian storytelling.

Did you know? The Nordic region-Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden-has become a global hub for high-quality television drama, often characterized by its dark, atmospheric tone and complex characters.

“The Reserve” Captivates Audiences

“The Reserve” premiered on Netflix this spring and centers around the disappearance of a young Filipino au pair within an affluent Danish community. The series has garnered attention for its nuanced portrayal of social dynamics and its suspenseful narrative. The Nordic Series Script Award, financed by Nordisk Film och TV Fond, comes with a prize of NOK 200,000.

Why did Ingeborg Topsøe win? Topsøe was recognized for her compelling script in “The Reserve,” which explores themes of class, immigration, and societal secrets. Who was involved? The series features a Danish cast and crew, with Topsøe as the primary screenwriter. What is “The Reserve” about? The show centers on the disappearance of a Filipino au pair in Denmark. How did it end? While details of the ending are not yet widely released, the series finale reportedly reveals the truth behind the au pair’s disappearance, exposing a network of deception within the community.

Pro tip When watching Nordic Noir, pay attention to the subtle details in the cinematography and sound design. These elements frequently enough contribute significantly to the show’s atmosphere and storytelling.

Creative Courage Award Honors “Färjan”

Alongside Topsøe’s win, the swedish series “Färjan” was presented with the honorary Creative Courage Award. This distinction acknowledges productions that boldly experiment with form and content, pushing the boundaries of nordic TV drama.”Färjan” is produced by Alexander Rönnberg and Will Tennant.

The awards ceremony took place Tuesday evening during the Gothenburg Film Festival, a key event for the Nordic film and television industry. The festival provides a platform for showcasing new talent and celebrating the region’s rich cinematic heritage

Reader question What elements do you think make Nordic dramas so popular with international audiences? Share your thoughts!