A Star-Studded Night: German Film Awards 2025 Celebrates Cinematic Excellence
Renowned figures in the entertainment industry honor the art of filmmaking in a spectacular event. - Famous celebrities cheer for the movie industry
Mark your calendars, folks! The German Film Awards, otherwise known as the Lolas, are heading to Berlin's Theater am Potsdamer Platz on Friday. This esteemed event promises to be a grand celebration, with approximately 1,700 guests gathered to honor Germany's thriving film industry.
At the helm of this fantastic evening is none other than the versatile Christian Friedel (46), known for his captivating performances in internationally acclaimed films like "The Zone of Interest," "Das weiße Band," and the hit series "White Lotus." Friedel, who's composed a unique song for the occasion, will gracefully host the show while accompanied by his band Woods of Birnam.
A-List Support
The stage for this glitzy event will be graced by many of Germany's most recognized faces from the silver screen and cultural sphere. The illustrious Elyas M'Barek, Jella Haase, Iris Berben, Emilia Schüle, Hannah Herzsprung, Karoline Herfurth, and Edward Berger (director of "All Quiet on the Western Front") will present awards, making it a truly star-studded affair.
Luminaries from other realms such as pianist Igor Levit, writer Juli Zeh, and futurologist Florence Gaub will also recognize the nominees' outstanding achievements.
Early Winners Announced
Although the majority of winners will be revealed on the night, a couple of categories have already been decided. Casting director An Dorthe Braker will be honored for her exceptional contributions to German cinema, while the "Most Visited Film" award goes to "Die Schule der magischen Tiere 3," directed by Sven Unterwaldt and produced by Alexandra and Meike Kordes, whose children's movie attracted more than three million cinema-goers.
Top Contenders for the Lolas
Two productions that have seen impressive international success are the frontrunners for the German Film Awards. "The Seed of the Holy Fig Tree" and "September 5" are both nominated in several categories, including Best Film and Best Director.
"The Seed of the Holy Fig Tree," an emotion-charged drama directed by Mohammad Rasoulof (who now calls Germany home), leads the nominations with six nods, including Best Director and Best Film[1]. As for "September 5," the powerfully gripping thriller inspired by the infamous 1972 Munich Olympics terrorist attacks has earned an unprecedented ten nominations.
In the Best Feature Film category, apart from these two heavyweights, "In Love, Yours, Hilde," the thriller "Islands," the social drama "Vena," and "Cologne 75" about the legendary Keith Jarrett concert in the cathedral city are also in the running[1].
In the acting categories, both Sam Riley and Alexander Scheer have been honored with double nominations[1]. Riley is nominated for Best Leading Actor for "Islands" and "Cranko," while Scheer is recognized for his extraordinary performances in "In Love, Yours, Hilde" and "Cologne 75."
A Night for Cinema Lovers
Cinephiles worldwide can join in this cinematic extravaganza from the comfort of their homes. The ZDF will broadcast the live awards ceremony at 7:00 PM on web and app, as well as at 11:30 PM on linear TV.
When it comes to funding, the German Film Awards are backed by the Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg and the German Film Fund. For the third consecutive year, RTL Germany serves as a media partner for this momentous event.
German Film Award
Potsdamer Platz
Countdown
Stars
Christian Friedel
Oscar
Berlin
Celebrities
Hilde Coppi
Elyas M'Barek
Jella Haase
Iris Berben
Emilia Schüle
Hannah Herzsprung
Karoline Herfurth
Edward Berger
All Quiet on the Western Front
[1] The nominees for the 2025 German Film Awards (Lolas) in the "Best Feature Film" category include:
- "September 5," directed by Tim Fehlbaum, a thriller based on the 1972 Munich Olympics terrorist attacks, with ten nominations including Best Film and Best Director[5].
- "From Hilde, With Love," directed by Andreas Dresen, which garnered seven nominations, including Best Film and Best Director[5].
- "The Seed of the Sacred Fig," an Iranian drama directed by Mohammad Rasoulof, with six nominations, including Best Film[5].
- The film "Seed of the Holy Fig Tree," which received six nominations, was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in the category of Best Foreign Language Film.
- Apart from "Seed of the Holy Fig Tree," the film "September 5," inspired by the 1972 Munich Olympics terrorist attacks, also received ten nominations, including Best Film.
- On a night that will be filled with celebrities and entertainment, movies-and-tv luminaries such as Elyas M'Barek, Jella Haase, Iris Berben, Emilia Schüle, Hannah Herzsprung, and Karoline Herfurth, as well as director Edward Berger, will present awards at the 2025 German Film Awards.
- On the same glitzy evening, renowned pianist Igor Levit, writer Juli Zeh, and futurologist Florence Gaub will also attend to recognize the nominees' outstanding achievements.
