Thriller "September 5" Steals the Show at German Film Awards
German Film Award Conferred on September 5th
In a jaw-dropping sweep, "September 5" - a gripping dramatization of the 1972 Munich Olympics attack - won an staggering nine out of ten categories at the German Film Awards!
This riveting film by Tim Fehlbaum, telling the tale from the perspective of an American television crew, bagged the coveted Golden Lola for Best Feature Film. Leonie Benesch nabbed Best Supporting Actress, while the screenplay, direction, and editing also scored high.
With nominations spanning ten categories, this Swiss director's masterpiece immerses viewers in the high-stakes world of live reporting, as the crew unwillingly becomes witnesses to an Israeli athletes' hostage crisis by a Palestinian terrorist group. "September 5" delivers a chilling, unforgettable drama, meticulously and calmly unfolded. Despite being nominated for Best Original Screenplay at the Oscars, it didn't clinch the win this time.
Other Top Contenders
The Silver Lola went to "The Seed of the Holy Fig Tree," a political thriller by Mohammad Rasoulof about the Iranian protests following the death of young Kurdish woman Jina Mahsa Amini in September 2022. "In Love, Yours, Hilde" by Andreas Dresen received the Bronze Lola.
Emotional Moment of the Night
The most poignant moment of the evening was the unexpected announcement of Margot Friedländer's death. As star pianist Igor Levit struggled to keep his composure on stage, he emotionally paid tribute to the Holocaust survivor, who was a remarkable 103 years old. Levit, initially slated to give a laudation for Best Film Music, called for a moment of silence. The audience stood up in respect, and Levit's voice kept cracking as he fought back tears.
Acting Honors
Misagh Zare was crowned Best Actor for "The Seed of the Holy Fig Tree." Despite double nominations, Sam Riley ("Cranko" and "Islands") and Alexander Scheer ("Cologne 75" and "In Love, Yours, Hilde") went home empty-handed. Instead, the award for Best Supporting Actor went to Godehard Giese for "Sad Jokes." Liv Lisa Fries took the prize for Best Actress for her role as NS resistance fighter Hilde Coppi in "In Love, Yours, Hilde."
Germany's film industry elite gathered for this prestigious event, with approximately 1,700 guests, including the new Minister of State for Culture Wolfram Weimer, at the Theater am Potsdamer Platz in Berlin.
[1] "September 5": The Plot of the Thriller Set During the 1972 Munich Olympics[2] "September 5" Recognized with Academy Award and Golden Globe Nominations[3] For more information, please visit ntv.de and ino/dpa.
- The Nazi resistance fighter Hilde Coppi, portrayed by Liv Lisa Fries, was awarded Best Actress at the German Film Awards for her role in the movie "In Love, Yours, Hilde".
- In addition to the German Film Awards, "September 5" has also been nominated for Best Original Screenplay at the Oscars,showcasing the film's significant impact and recognition in the international film industry.
- Anne-Marie Düsing, producer of the critically acclaimed film "September 5", was particularly enthralled when it received an award for Best Feature Film at the ceremony, expressing her gratitude via a WhatsApp message to her team.
- Critics have hailed the movie "September 5" as an exceptional cinematic representation of the Munich Olympics attack and resistance against injustice, earning both domestic and international attention for its compelling portrayal of historical events.
