Berlin is set to celebrate its rich cinematic history tonight as the 75th Deutscher Filmpreis, also known as the German Film Award, takes center stage. The gala, hosted by actor and musician Christian Friedel, will commence at 19:00 at the iconic Potsdamer Platz, with over 1,700 guests anticipated to attend. This prestigious event, which first took place in 1951, has evolved significantly, but its core mission remains the same: to honor excellence in the German film industry.
Friedel, who recently garnered acclaim for his roles in films like The Zone of Interest and the hit series The White Lotus, expressed his excitement about stepping into the role of moderator for the first time. “The evening will provide a colorful overview of how diverse and exciting the German film industry has been over the past year,” he stated in anticipation of the event.
This year’s ceremony will see the awarding of the coveted "Lola" statuettes in 19 categories, including Best Feature Film, Best Director, and Best Screenplay. The nominees for the Best Feature Film category are particularly noteworthy, featuring a diverse array of films: Die Saat des heiligen Feigenbaums by Mohammad Rasoulof, In Liebe, eure Hilde directed by Andreas Dresen, September 5 by Tim Fehlbaum, Islands by Jan-Ole Gerster, Köln 75 by Ido Fluks, and Vena by Chiara Fleischhacker.
Among the nominees, September 5 stands out as a strong contender, having received ten nominations, making it the film with the most nods this year. The thriller, which delves into the tragic events surrounding the 1972 Munich Olympics, had previously been nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay but did not win. Film critics are buzzing with anticipation to see if it can clinch the Goldene Lola tonight.
In the race for Best Leading Actor, Sam Riley has been nominated for his performances in two films, Islands and another unnamed project, while Misagh Zare also joins the competition. The Best Leading Actress category features talents such as Liv Lisa Fries, Mala Emde, and Emma Nova, all vying for the prestigious award.
In addition to the competitive categories, there are two awards that have already been determined ahead of the ceremony. The award for the most popular film has been awarded to Die Schule der magischen Tiere 3, while the Honorary Award of the German Film Academy will go to casting director An Dorthe Braker, recognized for her work on acclaimed projects like Nirgendwo in Afrika and Schtonk!.
As the event unfolds, notable figures from the German film industry, including stars like Elyas M’Barek and Jella Haase, will present the awards. The voting process for the awards is conducted by the approximately 2,400 members of the Filmakademie, ensuring that the winners are selected by industry peers.
Friedel's enthusiasm for the event is palpable, as he prepares to guide the audience through a night filled with celebration and recognition of the hard work and creativity that defines German cinema. The event will be broadcast live on ZDF, allowing audiences at home to join in the festivities at 19:00, with a repeat airing at 23:30.
With its rich history and commitment to showcasing the best of German film, the Deutscher Filmpreis remains a vital event in the cultural calendar. As the evening progresses, all eyes will be on the nominees, eager to see who will take home the coveted Lolas and secure their place in the annals of German film history.
