The spotlight shone brightly on Flemish television and media personalities during the 2025 Kastaars Awards Ceremony, held at the renowned Studio 100 Pop-Up Theater in Puurs. This festive occasion welcomed nearly 280 famous figures from various fields of entertainment, painting the evening with glitz and glamour. Guests delighted on the red carpet included Eurosong winner Red Sebastian, chefs like Piet Huysentruyt, musicians such as Koen Wauters, and television hosts, bringing together the crème de la crème of Flemish fame.
The ceremony was more than just awards; it was a celebration of the impact of Flemish media, underscoring how their contributions shape cultural narratives. Notably, the Impact Award was presented to VTM's popular program ‘Het conclaaf,’ created by Eric Goens. The show garnered attention for its assembly of political figures at a castle, creating engaging discourse leading up to elections. During his acceptance speech, Goens delivered heartfelt thanks to everyone involved, humorously stated, "Television is not dead: TV with impact will always exist.” The sentiment echoed the thematic core of the awards, celebrating meaningful storytelling.
Complementing Goens's significant recognition, Gert Verhulst, known for his long-standing role on Flemish television, received the Career Award, marking a milestone moment as he reflected on his illustrious career. An emotional Verhulst shared his thoughts, saying, "This is the most beautiful moment of my career." The audience was visibly moved as he recalled his childhood dreams, recalling, "When I watched TV as a child, I wanted to be one of those faces on the screen." He expressed gratitude to his family, acknowledging their support throughout his lengthy career.
The ceremony also shone light on radio, with the Kastaar for best radio program awarded to Vincent Fierens's ‘Vincent live’ on Qmusic. Fierens's poignant acceptance speech emphasized the challenges he faced this past summer after being diagnosed with testicular cancer. His heartfelt remarks conveyed gratitude not only for the recognition but for the unwavering support from his family. "This prize is for the entire Q-team," he stated, radiantly proud of his collective effort.
Among the evening’s highlights were stunning musical tributes, including performances dedicated to Gert Verhulst. Koen Wauters, alongside Free Souffriau and James Cooke, delivered a haunting rendition of Michel Fugain’s romantic song ‘Une belle histoire,’ which left attendees misty-eyed and appreciative of the deep connections formed over years of collaboration.
The Kastaars Awards, with its intent to recognize impactful programs and media figures, served as more than just an award ceremony. It became a platform to advocate for kindness and greater compassion for television personalities within press and media cycles. Eric Goens closed his remarks by urging the audience, and the public at large, to extend more empathy to those often caught under the unrelenting glare of media scrutiny.
This moment was not just about awards but about acknowledging the narratives behind these icons, and how through shared stories, the audience connects with the screen. The Kastaars Awards Ceremony encapsulated this beautifully, emphasizing the necessity of recognizing both the triumphs and challenges faced by those who entertain.
Overall, the 2025 Kastaars Awards celebrated not only remarkable achievements within the Flemish entertainment sector but solidified the event's reputation as a distinguished gathering where art meets heart. The joy of being together, the appreciation of stories told on various media platforms, and the recognition of the hard work behind them contributed to making the event unforgettable.
The ceremony’s atmosphere vibrated with excitement, camaraderie, and gratitude—a solid reminder of the impact local artists and programs have, shaping the cultural fabric of the community.
Through countless performances, heartfelt accolades, and inspiring speeches, the evening left attendees and viewers alike with compelling stories, enhancing their appreciation for the mediums they love. It was clear; each award represented not just personal triumph but the collective voice and spirit of Flemish creativity.
The evening came to a close, but the memories lingered, affirming the fact: great television and impactful media will continue to inspire generations, proving their significance year after year. Engaging narratives and powerful storytelling remain the pulse of any society, and the Kastaars Awards celebrated this fact fervently.