Glamour, controversy, and a dash of unpredictability lit up the 77th Bambi Awards, held on November 13, 2025, at the Bavaria Film Studios near Munich. The annual gala, renowned for celebrating excellence in international media and honoring figures who inspire the German public, was a star-studded affair, with global icons like Cate Blanchett, Cher, Naomi Campbell, and Heidi Klum gracing the red carpet. But amid the glitz, it was presenter Thomas Gottschalk’s erratic on-stage antics that stole the conversation, leaving guests alternately amused, bemused, and, at times, outright irritated.
The Bambi Awards have long stood as a beacon for big shows and emotional moments, with celebrities using the platform to spotlight both their achievements and pressing socio-political causes. This year, the event was no exception. The night’s most talked-about moment, however, came courtesy of Gottschalk, the 75-year-old television veteran, who handed over the coveted 'Legend' Bambi to music superstar Cher. Instead of a seamless tribute, Gottschalk’s appearance was marked by slurred words, unusually slow speech, and a series of awkward remarks that left the audience visibly unsettled, according to dpa.
Gottschalk, who attended the gala with his wife Karina, has a long history with Cher, stemming from her appearances on his former ZDF show "Wetten, dass...?" Yet, their reunion on stage took an unexpected turn. At one point, Gottschalk quipped, "Here she is, the only woman I have taken seriously in my life." The comment drew boos from the crowd and was widely criticized as tone-deaf. Further compounding the awkwardness, Gottschalk launched into a rambling story about how his own Bambi trophy had melted in a fire at his Malibu mansion. Attempting to praise Cher, he claimed to have "seen everything" of her, prompting the singer to retort with a laugh, "not everything," effectively putting the brakes on his musings.
Throughout the segment, Gottschalk’s behavior bordered on the bizarre. He even admitted, "I am confused," and at one moment, stood between Cher and the cameras, inadvertently blocking her from the spotlight. Eventually, he stepped aside, asking Cher if she’d like to say a few words. Despite the odd handover, Cher remained in good spirits. Honored for her lifelong commitment to elephant protection, the 79-year-old pop icon told reporters, "I'm a working woman," downplaying the "legend" title with characteristic humility.
But the night was far from a one-man show. The red carpet shimmered with A-list celebrities, each making their own distinct impression. According to the Daily Mail, Cate Blanchett, 56, stunned in a dramatic lilac gown adorned with feathers and a sheer skirt, paired with white pointed-toe heels. The Oscar winner, who was honored in the "Actress International" category, was celebrated not only for her "artistic excellence" but also for her "humanitarian and ecological commitment." Sophie Grützner, editor of InStyle Magazine and a Bambi jury member, praised Blanchett’s versatility and her social advocacy, noting, "Her strong social commitment as a UN ambassador for refugees and her clear advocacy for climate protection are also remarkable."
On stage, Blanchett delivered a poignant speech, warning, "These are very dark times that we are in danger of slipping into" and stressing that "the voices of artists have never been as important as they are today." She lamented growing threats to creative freedom and the human right to artistic expression, remarks that resonated deeply in a year marked by political and cultural upheaval.
Blanchett’s appearance came amid speculation about her future in the industry. In an April interview with Radio Times, she revealed, "It's because I'm giving up [acting]. My family roll their eyes every time I say it, but I mean it. I am serious about giving up acting." She added that she had "a lot of things I want to do with my life," hinting at a possible retirement from the screen. This isn’t the first time Blanchett has mused about stepping away from acting, telling Vanity Fair in 2023 that she often contemplates such a move, describing her relationship with acting as "a love affair" that requires continual rekindling.
Supermodel Naomi Campbell, 55, embodied elegance in a form-fitting white gown with cut-out details and a flowing fishtail skirt. She took on the role of presenter, awarding Heidi Klum the Bambi in the "Entertainment" category. Campbell lauded Klum as "a born entertainer with an unmistakable zest for life," while Klum, 52, turned heads in a black gown with floral embroidery and a dramatic train. Klum’s husband, Tom Kaulitz, and his brother Bill Kaulitz of Tokio Hotel were also present, nominated for their podcast "Kaulitz Hills," though they left empty-handed. The Kaulitz twins, along with their bandmate Georg Listing, added a touch of rock star energy to the proceedings.
Comedian Hazel Brugger provided levity, accepting her comedy award with a tongue-in-cheek nod to her critics: "I thank the men who have told me over the course of my career that I'm not funny. It was you who made me the monster I am here today." Her speech drew laughter and underscored the night’s mix of glamour and grit.
German pop legend Roland Kaiser, 73, delivered perhaps the evening’s most emotional speech as he accepted the Lifetime Achievement Bambi. Celebrating 50 years of music, Kaiser expressed gratitude to his loyal audience, saying their support had made him strong "even in difficult times." Singer Zartmann, winner in the "Music" category, seized the moment to voice a political message, sharply criticizing the AfD party. "I understand political frustration—but not turning to right-wing populists," he declared, drawing applause for his stance.
The 2025 Bambi Awards, as reported by both dpa and the Daily Mail, were a whirlwind of dazzling fashion, heartfelt tributes, and unscripted drama. While the ceremony celebrated creative achievement and humanitarian work, it was equally a stage for candid commentary—both intentional and accidental. From Gottschalk’s headline-grabbing gaffes to Blanchett’s call for artistic freedom, the night offered a window into the cultural currents shaping Germany and the world. As the stars departed into the Munich night, the conversations sparked on stage lingered, ensuring the 77th Bambi Awards would be remembered for both its glamour and its moments of raw, unfiltered humanity.
