Nils Schmolka, Screen Test Awards Winner, Actor Category
There’s a distinct warmth to Nils: an ease in the way he carries himself, guided by humility and optimism. Born in Vienna and raised in New York, Nils' artistic expression is something deeply ingrained. Raised by a photographer father, creativity was never something he had to chase—it was simply part of his everyday language. You see it in the details: his handmade jewelry, his unmistakable sense of style, and the way he enters a room with a disarming smile that suggests both openness and intent.
In his Screen Test video submission, that same sincerity shines through. He wears his heart on his sleeve, but never in a way that asks for attention. His vulnerability is exposed truly and openly. His charm and emotional fluency naturally draw you in, and it’s this kind of authenticity that holds the potential to shape a great actor.
Interview by Alec Castillo
Alec: What was the most challenging part of creating your screen test—and how did you approach making it feel authentic?
Nils: During the time of my final screen test, my family and I had just lost our home. We were displaced by the Los Angeles fires, and I had a hard time breaking through my emotional walls because I needed to stay strong for my family. I found it difficult to show the level of vulnerability I knew was needed for this. So I kept the camera rolling and started a dialogue with myself until I felt the walls slowly melt away and the realness in my answers finally started to shine through.
AC: As an actor, what’s a role or scene you dream of performing—and why does it speak to you?
NS: I’d love to play a musician trying to find their way in the world. It would be so interesting to dive into an underground scene where people come together through music, especially those who’ve always felt a little different. I love exploring those kinds of microcosms.
AC: How did the branding seminar or 1-on-1 session shift the way you think about yourself as a working actor?
NS: I’m so grateful I got to be part of that seminar. Hearing top industry leaders from film, music, and fashion share what really matters to succeed was eye-opening. It showed me how much artistry, vision, and authenticity overlap across all creative fields. It made me feel even more confident that I’m on the right path, especially as I continue to keep growing as an artist.
AC: What kind of characters feel most aligned with who you are—or completely opposite in a way that excites you?
NS: I’m drawn to characters who are deeply existential and intense but choose to live with humor and not take life too seriously. It’s a funny paradox that resonates with the way I am.
AC: What do you hope casting directors or filmmakers see when they watch your screen test?
NS: I hope they see someone who has a true curiosity for life, an existential edge, and a deep well of empathy.
AC: What was the last performance (film, show, or stage) that made you say, “I want to do that”?
NS: I recently rewatched Brad Pitt in Se7en, and it just blew me away. Acting in that gritty, neo-noir New York City world and piecing together a complex puzzle of murders would be a dream. I’m fascinated by exploring the full scope of what people are capable of and how they deal with pain. Plus, I’ve always loved gothic noir settings, so working in that environment feels natural to me.
AC: In your opinion, what separates a good performance from a great one?
NS: You can see it in the actor’s eyes—that spark that makes you truly empathize with them. No matter the story, when the character’s experience taps into the core of what it means to be alive, and the actor expresses it seamlessly, that’s what sets a great performance apart.
AC: Has winning this award changed your confidence or your approach to auditioning and self-taping?
NS: Most definitely! Winning this award made me reflect on the process it took to get here. It showed me that continuously working on my self-tape and really taking the time to refine it created something that manifested into a great opportunity. I apply this same mindset to future auditions and self-tapes.
AC: How would you describe your artistic identity in three words?
NS: Soulful, Cosmic, Witty
AC: What’s next—and who’s one director or actor you’d love to work with?
NS: Right now, I’m focused on acting in a feature film or TV series and developing my music to the point where I’m playing live shows in NYC and LA. There are so many actors and directors I’d love to collaborate with, but if I had to choose one, it would be Guy Ritchie. Having been born and partly raised in Austria, I resonate so much with his writing style and dark humor, and I’d be honored to be part of one of his.