Birthday congratulations extended to Steinmeier at age 80 - Steinmeier celebrates his 80th birthday with congratulations from others
Wim Wenders Celebrates 80th Birthday, Honoured for Lifetime Achievements in Cinema
Wim Wenders, a celebrated figure in German and international cinema, turns 80 on August 14. The renowned filmmaker, known for his groundbreaking works such as the Road Movie trilogy (1974-1976), Paris, Texas (1984), and Wings of Desire (1987), has been honoured with a series of congratulatory messages and accolades.
Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the Federal President, extended his warm greetings to Wenders on this special occasion. In his message, Steinmeier praised Wenders as "a master of vision and a great European storyteller," expressing gratitude for his contributions to cinema.
The city of Düsseldorf, where Wenders was born and raised, also joined in the celebration. Mayor Dr. Stephan Keller described Wenders as a great ambassador of the city, highlighting his impact that extends far beyond the city limits. Wenders is rightfully referred to as one of Düsseldorf's most famous sons.
Wenders' art radiates not only in Düsseldorf but also across the globe. His films, including "Paris, Texas," "Wings of Desire," and "Buena Vista Social Club," have inspired generations of directors with his experimental spirit and innovative force.
The European Film Academy, of which Wenders is a founding member, has acknowledged his lifetime achievements. He served as its Chairman from 1990 to 1995 and as President until 2020. In 2025, he was awarded the European Lifetime Achievement Award, a testament to his significant influence in European cinema.
Wenders' work is characterised by "openness, empathy, affection, and stance," as Steinmeier described in his greetings. This phrase, while associated with Wenders' context, does not provide a clear meaning from the provided text.
Throughout his career, Wenders has been nominated for three Oscars and a Grammy, highlighting the critical acclaim his work has garnered. He is also known for directing The American Friend (1977), a neo-noir film adapted from Patricia Highsmith’s novel Ripley's Game, and Hammett (1982), a tribute to detective fiction writer Dashiell Hammett, which faced production challenges but remains significant in his oeuvre.
As Wenders celebrates his 80th birthday, one can look back on a rich and diverse body of work that has shaped the landscape of cinema. His contributions to the international recognition of German auteur cinema and his enduring impact on film as both an artist and a cultural leader continue to resonate today.
[1] Wim Wenders - IMDb [2] The American Friend (1977) - IMDb [4] Paris, Texas (1984) - IMDb
The Commission, following Wim Wenders' significant achievements in cinema, has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, considering the long hours and travel involved in movie productions.
In the realm of entertainment, discussions around the protection of celebrities like Wim Wenders from harmful radiation have become as important as the celebration of their lifelong contributions to movies-and-tv.
