Awards
Glitter, glamor and politics at the Bambis
The Bambi has been awarded by Hubert Burda Media since 1948. photo
© Felix Hörhager/dpa
Glitter, glamor and a particularly long red carpet: after a three-year break, there is another Bambi awards ceremony. And it also becomes highly political.
It is one of the most emotional moments at the Bambis: Julija Navalnaja enters the stage to a standing ovation Bavaria film studios near Munich. “It makes me happy to accept this award on behalf of my husband,” she says.
“It would make me even happier if he could receive it in person. But he is in prison. Like many others who criticize Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, protest or write comments on social media.” Her husband, Russian Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, received the Bambi in the “Courage” category.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praises Putin opponent Navalny, who was sentenced to 19 years in prison in Russia on charges of extremism but is internationally considered a political prisoner, for “his dedication to freedom, to democracy, to human rights.”
“What your husband, what your father does for us, indeed for the whole world, can hardly be put into words,” she says. “This indomitable man deserves our solidarity.” She emphasizes: “We have to carry his message to the world until he can hopefully do it again himself.”
Glamour, emotions and politics
It is the most touching moment of a glamorous gala that returned from a three-year Corona break on Bambi’s 75th birthday – and in which things keep getting political. For example, when Veronica Ferres announced Bambi in the “National Film” category.
“Everyone can make their contribution so that we can live in peace,” she says – and awards the prize to the film “Oskar’s Dress” by screenwriter Florian David Fitz about a transsexual child. The makers emphasize: “We will never stop making films that stand for a free, liberal and tolerant society. Without your hate.”
Peter Maffay, who receives a Bambi from the hands of comedian Otto Waalkes as a “legend”, speaks of an “obligation to remain true to the values of our society” and calls for fighting hatred and violence in the world. In the “Silent Heroes” category, Karin Eckstein, founder of the Lebensweg family hostel in Illingen, Swabia, where families with severely disabled children can relax for a few days, was honored.
It becomes less political, but still touching, when presenter and singer Giovanni Zarrella seems honestly surprised by his surprise Bambi in the entertainment category, actor Mads Mikkelsen (“Der Rausch”) dedicates his “Schauspiel International” Bambi to his little granddaughter – and The actress Senta Berger, who was honored for her life’s work, says: “It was a big, adventurous life, and this is a very special event that should remind me of it.”
Anniversary year of the award
The Bambi is awarded by Hubert Burda Media and is one of the most important media and television awards in Germany. It has been around since 1948.
In the anniversary year, the national basketball team that brought the world championship title to Germany will receive the Bambi in the sports category – awarded by two former sports stars: Bastian Schweinsteiger and his wife Ana Ivanović. “We have proven what you can achieve when you have a team like this,” says national coach Gordon Herbert.
The Swedish pop singer Zara Larsson received the Bambi in the “International Music” category, musician Ayliva received the audience’s Bambi as “Artist of the Year”, Karoline Herfurth received a golden deer for her role in “Just Something Beautiful” and Felix Kammerer received one for his Lead role in the Oscar-winning film “All Quiet in the West”.
Florian David Fitz was nominated with Kammerer for his role in “Oscars Dress” and Elyas M’Barek for his portrayal of investigative journalist Juan Moreno in “A Thousand Lines”. The two fellow nominees are his friends, which is why he would be happy if they won, he said before the award ceremony. And anyway: “Being there is everything.”