A-list celebrities rejoice in cinema's grandeur - Starlets and A-listers fete the silver screen
A night of glitz and glamour is about to descend upon Berlin as the 75th annual German Film Awards (aka the Lolas) take center stage at the Theater am Potsdamer Platz. With an expected attendance of 1,700 film enthusiasts, this evening promises to be a celebration of homegrown talent and cinematic excellence.
Your host for the evening is none other than the supremely versatile, Christian Friedel, a celebrated actor and singer, best recognized for his roles in critically acclaimed films like "The Zone of Interest," "Das weiße Band," and the hit HBO series, "White Lotus." Fittingly, for this momentous occasion, Friedel has penned a special song especially for the event, which he will perform alongside his band, Woods of Birnam, to kick off the festivities.
A-List Support
Friedel won't be standing alone on stage. Some of the most influential figures from the worlds of film and culture will join him to present awards, including heavyweight celebrities such as Elyas M'Barek, Jella Haase, Iris Berben, Emilia Schüle, Hannah Herzsprung, director, and actress Karoline Herfurth, and the internationally acclaimed director, Edward Berger ("All Quiet on the Western Front").
Other distinguished guests include pianist Igor Levit, writer Juli Zeh, and futurologist Florence Gaub, who will lend their prestige to the event by honorarily acknowledging the nominees.
First Winners Announced
While most winners will be revealed on the night itself, two categories have already been decided. Casting director, An Dorthe Braker, has been honored for her outstanding contributions to German cinema, while the Lola for "Most Successful Film" has been awarded to the children's film "Die Schule der magischen Tiere 3," produced by Sven Unterwaldt and the Kordes sisters, Alexandra and Meike.
Hot Contenders
This year, two productions have garnered significant international attention and are strong contenders for the German Film Awards. "The Seed of the Holy Fig Tree," directed by Mohammad Rasoulof, and "September 5" are both Oscar-nominated films competing in multiple categories, including "Best Film" and "Best Director."
Additionally, notable mentions in the "Best Feature Film" category include "In Love, Yours, Hilde," the gripping drama about resistance fighter Hilde Coppi, the suspenseful thriller "Islands," the intense social drama "Vena," and "Cologne 75," chronicling Keith Jarrett's famous concert in the cathedral city.
In the acting categories, Sam Riley and Alexander Scheer were both nominated twice. Riley is recognized for his roles in "Islands" and "Cranko," while Scheer earned his nominations for "In Love, Yours, Hilde" and "Cologne 75."
Live Telecast
For those who can't make the event, fear not; the entire gala will be broadcast live on ZDF's web and app platforms at 7 PM (CET). The replay will air on linear television at 11:30 PM.
The German Film Awards are funded by Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg and the German Film Fund, with RTL Germany serving as the media partner for the third year in a row.
- German Film Awards
- Potsdamer Platz
- Christian Friedel
- Berlin
- Stars
- Elyas M'Barek
- Jella Haase
- Iris Berben
- Emilia Schüle
- Hannah Herzsprung
- Karoline Herfurth
- Edward Berger
- Hilde Coppi
- Oscar
- Television
- Cologne 75
(Note: While "September 5" and "The Seed of the Sacred Fig" are frontrunners in their respective categories, "From Hilde, With Love" and "The Seed of the Sacred Fig" are among the leading contenders for the Best Feature Film Lola award at the 2025 German Film Awards, often considered Germany’s equivalent of the Oscars. [Sources: 1,2,3] )
The film "In Love, Yours, Hilde" is among the intense contenders for the Best Feature Film Lola award, starring Sam Riley, who was also nominated for his captivating performance in "Cranko". Elyas M'Barek, Jella Haase, Iris Berben, Emilia Schüle, Hannah Herzsprung, and Karoline Herfurth are among the celebrated stars expected to grace the stage at the 75th German Film Awards. This grand event is scheduled to take place at Potsdamer Platz in Berlin, hosted by the versatile Christian Friedel. For those unavailable to attend, the live telecast will air on ZDF's web and app platforms at 7 PM (CET). The two productions generating significant international attention are "The Seed of the Holy Fig Tree" and "September 5", both Oscar-nominated films in multiple categories, including Best Film and Best Director.
