The Kastaars! awards, the celebration of Flemish media talent, are set to return on February 8, 2025, bringing with them some exciting changes. This year, the ceremony will feature new hosts, Kamal Kharmach, Ruth Beeckmans, and Rik Verheye, stepping up to illuminate the local talent.
Notably absent from this year’s ceremony are last year’s hosts Koen Wauters, Gert Verhulst, and Danira Boukhriss Terkessidis, who have passed the torch to the new trio of charismatic presenters. Kamal Kharmach will represent VRT, Ruth Beeckmans will take the stage for VTM, and Rik Verheye will act on behalf of Play Media. Their combined presence promises to bring fresh energy and humor to this prestigious event.
This year's Kastaars! will take place at the Studio 100 Pop-Up Theater located in Puurs, Belgium, where the event is anticipated to attract media enthusiasts from across the region. Not only will it be broadcast live on multiple channels including VRT 1, VTM, Play4, as well as online via VRT MAX, VTM GO, GoPlay, and hln.be, but it will also feature extensive radio coverage on platforms such as Radio2, MNM, Q-Music, Joe, Play Nostalgie, and Nostalgie Plus.
The format of the Kastaars! is set to highlight the notable accomplishments of Flemish media over the past year, encompassing genres across television, radio, digital, and podcasting platforms. The awards will spotlight ten categories, where the Flemish public will have the chance to vote for their favorites. Seven of these categories are open for public voting, including Media Personality of 2024, Television Program of 2024, Fiction Series of 2024, Newcomer of 2024, Radio Program of 2024, Podcast of 2024, and Content Creator of 2024. The remaining three categories—Breakthrough Award, Career Award, and Impact Award—will be decided by representatives from various media houses and Streamz.
“De Kastaars! wordt hét feest van de Vlaamse mediacontent” (Translated from Dutch: “The Kastaars! will be the celebration of Flemish media content”), the organizing committee stated, highlighting its core purpose to honor the creativity and achievements within the local industry.
Fans of Flemish media will be eager to know how to participate. Voting for their favorite content and personalities is made easy through the official Kastaars! website. “Wie erbij wil zijn, kan vanaf nu tickets bestellen via www.kastaars.be” (Translated from Dutch: “Those who want to be there can now order tickets via www.kastaars.be”), indicating how audiences can join the live experience of the event.
While watching the event, attendees will have the chance to witness firsthand the celebrations as various talents grace the stage to receive accolades reflecting the popularity and recognition they have achieved among the public. The nominees for the public voting categories will be announced early January, building anticipation as viewers await to discover who will contend for the coveted Kastaars! awards.
With the shift to new hosts this year, the committee aims to breathe new life and excitement within the Kastaars! awards, as they honor the creativity, talent, and hard work of Flemish media figures over what promises to be another memorable year. This ceremony not only reflects on past achievements but also encourages the new generation of creators striving to make their mark.
Mark your calendars for February 8 and prepare to celebrate the artistry and talent illuminating Flemish media. The involvement of the public through voting adds another dimension of engagement, allowing everyone to have their say on which personalities and productions they feel are deserving of recognition.
The Kastaars! promises to be more than just awards handed out; it’s poised to be an entertaining gala celebrating the diversity and vibrancy of Flemish media production, showcasing each gem's unique story and accomplishment. Get ready for laughter, applause, and perhaps some unexpected winners as the Kastaars! returns with enthusiasm and renewed energy!
