Berlin witnessed a poignant moment during the 75th Deutscher Filmpreis on Friday, May 9, 2025, as the announcement of Holocaust survivor Margot Friedländer's death cast a shadow over the celebratory atmosphere of the evening. The event, held at the historic Potsdamer Platz, was attended by around 1,700 guests, including prominent figures from the film industry, politicians, and celebrities.
Star pianist Igor Levit, who was scheduled to present the nominees for Best Film Music, delivered the heartbreaking news to the audience. With a trembling voice, he stated, "Margot Friedländer has passed away." The audience, unaware of her death until that moment, responded with gasps of shock, leading to a heartfelt moment of silence in her honor. Levit described Friedländer as "ein Wunder von Mensch" (a miracle of a person), emphasizing her warmth and generosity that touched many lives.
Friedländer, who lived to the age of 103, had been a symbol of resilience and hope, advocating for peace, democracy, and humanity throughout her life. As tears flowed in the audience, Levit continued his tribute, saying, "Her existence, her life, was a call to justice. Her absence among us is an even greater call to honor her legacy." The emotional impact of her passing resonated throughout the evening, as many attendees, including actresses Iris Berben and Karoline Herfurth, were visibly moved.
Despite the somber news, the ceremony also celebrated significant achievements in German cinema. The main prize for Best Feature Film was awarded to the thriller "September 5," which depicts the tragic events of the 1972 Munich Olympics attack. This film emerged as the clear favorite, winning a total of nine awards, including Best Director for Tim Fehlbaum, Best Screenplay, and Best Editing.
Liv Lisa Fries received the Lola for Best Leading Actress for her role in "In Liebe, eure Hilde," while Misagh Zare was honored as Best Leading Actor for his performance in "Die Saat des heiligen Feigenbaums." The award for Best Supporting Actress went to Leonie Benesch for her role in "September 5," and Godehard Giese took home the award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in "Sad Jokes." The documentary award was presented to "Petra Kelly - Act Now," and the children’s film award went to "Akiko, der fliegende Affe."
The evening also featured notable political commentary. Moderator Christian Friedel opened the event by highlighting the importance of the arts, stating, "Empathy is strength, and art and cinema can help foster that understanding." Iris Berben, during her presentation of the Best Documentary Film award, urged, "We must all be much louder" in advocating for societal issues.
In a lighter moment, the honorary award was given to casting director An Dorthe Braker, celebrated for her contributions to films like "Der Untergang" and "Lola Rennt." A surprise serenade from Jan Josef Liefers, Jessica Schwarz, Heike Makatsch, and Heino Ferch added a festive touch to the occasion, celebrating Braker's impactful career.
Political tensions were also evident, as Kulturstaatsminister Wolfram Weimer addressed Donald Trump's proposed tariffs on foreign films, quipping, "It’s only a matter of time before he imposes tariffs on jokes so no one can laugh at him anymore." Such comments underscored the intersection of culture and politics that characterized the evening.
Among the attendees was Annalena Baerbock, who made her debut at the Deutscher Filmpreis. The former foreign minister expressed her excitement about finally having time to watch films again after her political duties. She recalled attending the premiere of "Wunderschöner" and her daughters' enjoyment of children's movies like "Die Schule der magischen Tiere." Baerbock's presence on the red carpet added a touch of glamour to the event, where she wore a shimmering silk ensemble complemented by golden accessories.
The theme of sustainability was also prominent, with actress and sustainability ambassador Maria Ehrich advocating for environmentally conscious production practices. She shared her commitment to using digital scripts and minimizing waste on set, emphasizing the need for the film industry to take responsibility for its environmental impact.
As the night progressed, the emotional weight of Friedländer's passing lingered, reminding everyone of the importance of empathy and the shared responsibility to honor the past while celebrating the future of cinema.
In the end, the 75th Deutscher Filmpreis was a blend of triumphs and tributes, showcasing the resilience of the film community in the face of loss. The ceremony not only celebrated artistic achievements but also served as a poignant reminder of the power of storytelling and the impact of individual lives on the collective narrative.
