This year, the Grimme Prize particularly reflects the current geopolitical situation. 69 programs were nominated from around 780 streaming and television productions that applied for the renowned television award. Many of them take up in different ways – partly journalistic, partly fictional – the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine and the protests in Iran. “This year’s nominations show how many outstanding programs there were on these themes last year,” emphasized Grimme director Frauke Gerlach.
The series deals with the war in Ukraine, for example Sky Earth (ZDF/ZDFneo), which is nominated in the fiction category. In cooperation with Ukrainian filmmakers, the makers deal with topics such as leaving home. A particularly recommendable discussion of the war in the “Children and Youth” category From 18! Following Valeria (ZDF/3sat) and Look into my world: #Ukraine – my country at war (Radio Bremen/RBB/HR/SWR/MDR/Kika) nominated. the ZDF journalist Katrin Eigendorfwho was awarded a Grimme Prize for “Special Journalistic Achievement” last year, has been nominated again for her work as a war reporter in Ukraine.
Only two Netflix series nominated
In addition to the global political situation, the topic of diversity is also in focus across all categories. Four out of ten productions in the entertainment category deal with it: including ANDAZ – The diverse talk (WDR) and Queer Eye Germany (Netflix), which “above all focus on the respectful interaction between people with different identities”, and the formats To the Black Forest deer (VOX) and down the road (SWR), who showed how inclusion can succeed if it is taken seriously.
Only a few productions from private broadcasters and streaming services are among the nominees – most of the formats come from public broadcasters. In the fiction category, there are at least two Netflix series (1899 and CLEO), two RTL productions (ZeNetwork and Pretty face) and oh hell made it onto the list of nominees by Magenta TV. There they have to fight, among other things The Mayoress (ZDF), The Wannsee Conference (ZDF) and the WDR drama Cold assert. The ProSieben show was particularly convincing Joko & Klaas 15 minutes live: attention for #IranRevolution. She was nominated for a special award in the entertainment category – unrivaled.
From January 28, the jury will meet again in Marl for the first time since the Corona pandemic to select the 16 Grimme Prize winners from the nominations. The award ceremony will take place on April 21st in the theater of the city of Marl.