The thriller "September 5" by Tim Fehlbaum, which recounts the tragic events of the 1972 Munich Olympics attack, emerged as the big winner at the 75th German Film Awards held on May 9, 2025, in Berlin. The film was awarded the prestigious Golden Lola for Best Feature Film, along with a total of nine awards, making it the standout production of the evening.
"September 5" tells the gripping story of the hostage-taking of Israeli athletes by Palestinian terrorists during the Olympics, viewed through the lens of a U.S. television crew that was initially there to cover the games. Instead, the journalists became live reporters of the unfolding crisis, a narrative that has resonated deeply with audiences. The film not only won the top honor but also accolades for Best Director (Tim Fehlbaum), Best Screenplay, Best Editing, Best Film Music, Best Sound Design, Best Set Design, Best Makeup, and Best Cinematography, showcasing its comprehensive excellence across multiple categories.
Despite its success at the German Film Awards, it is noteworthy that the film was nominated for Best Original Screenplay at this year’s Oscars but did not secure a win. This juxtaposition highlights the competitive nature of film awards and the varying standards that different award bodies may apply.
In addition to the triumph of "September 5," the Silver Lola was awarded to the political thriller "Die Saat des heiligen Feigenbaums" by Mohammad Rasoulof, which addresses the protests in Iran following the death of the young Kurdish woman Jina Mahsa Amini in September 2022. The Bronze Lola was given to the drama "In Liebe, Eure Hilde" by Andreas Dresen, which tells the story of Hilde Coppi, a resistance fighter during the Nazi regime.
The evening was not only about accolades; it was marked by an emotional moment as attendees mourned the passing of Margot Friedländer, a 103-year-old Holocaust survivor. Pianist Igor Levit, who was scheduled to present the award for Best Film Music, delivered a heartfelt tribute to Friedländer, fighting back tears as he called for a moment of silence in her honor. He stated, "She was a great miracle. Her existence, her life, was a call to do justice to her. Her no longer real existence among us is an even greater call to do justice to her." This poignant moment resonated with the audience, many of whom were visibly moved.
Friedländer had made a powerful appearance at the previous year’s German Film Awards, where she spoke about the importance of social interaction and community. Her legacy continues to inspire, as highlighted by Wolf Biermann, who also took to the stage to reflect on her impact and the broader implications of history on contemporary society. He remarked, "Whoever has no fear is a fool," before performing his song "Du lass' Dich nicht verhärten," further emphasizing the need for vigilance in the face of historical injustices.
In addition to the emotional tributes, the awards ceremony served as a platform for political commentary. Moderator Friedel emphasized the significance of the arts, declaring, "Empathy is strength, and art and cinema can help with that, which is also a reason why one should never cut back on culture." Actress Iris Berben, while presenting the award for Best Documentary, urged the audience, saying, "We all have to be much louder," highlighting the role of artists in advocating for social change.
The new Minister of Culture, Wolfram Weimer, also made headlines with his remarks regarding former President Donald Trump's proposed tariffs on foreign films, quipping, "It’s only a matter of time before he imposes tariffs on jokes so that no one can laugh at him anymore." This comment reflected the evening's blend of celebration and serious discourse.
As the evening concluded, the German Film Awards celebrated not only cinematic achievements but also the resilience of voices advocating for justice and remembrance. The event brought together around 1,700 guests at the Theater am Potsdamer Platz in Berlin, underscoring the importance of community within the film industry.
Overall, the 75th German Film Awards highlighted the intersection of storytelling and social consciousness, showcasing films that not only entertain but also provoke thought and inspire action. With its impressive sweep of awards, "September 5" stands as a testament to the power of cinema to reflect and shape societal narratives, while the tributes to Margot Friedländer remind us of the enduring impact of history on our present and future.
