“Bambi is back after a three-year break”: On Thursday evening (November 16th), the Bambi Awards celebrated a brilliant comeback in Munich under the moderation of Nazan Eckes (47) and Giovanni Zarella (45). National and international stars celebrated the 75th anniversary of the award ceremony at the Bavaria Film Studios, which has honored greats from the film, political and entertainment industries for decades. These were the highlights of the gala.
He probably didn’t expect that: visibly emotionally moved, musician and entertainer Giovanni Zarrella was presented with the Bambi in the “Entertainment” category by his co-presenter Nazan Eckes. In his acceptance speech, he spoke about how grateful he was for the course of his career and especially thanked his wife Jana Ina Zarrella (46), who was visibly proud in the audience. “Queen, it’s yours,” said Zarrella at the end of his speech.
Felix Kammerer (28) was awarded a Bambi in the “National Actor” category. With his role in “Nothing New in the West” he prevailed against Elyas M’Barek (41) and Florian David Fitz (48). His female counterpart: Karoline Herfurth (39) won in the “National Actress” category. She sent a special thank you to her husband Christopher Doll, “who accompanies me through every storm.” Her actress colleagues Jördis Triebel (46) and Jeanette Hain (54), who were also nominated, went without a Bambi.
The “Oskars Kleid” team was delighted to receive an award in the “National Film” category – especially the main actor and screenwriter Florian David Fitz. The golden Bambi Award was presented by Veronica Ferres (58). During her laudatory speech, she made a serious appeal to the audience: “Tonight I would like to call on people to stand up for our freedom and values.”
Julija Navalnaya (47) had previously accepted the Bambi in the “Courage” category on behalf of her husband Alexej Navalny (47). The Russian opposition critic is currently incarcerated in a prison camp in Russia. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (65) gave his laudatory speech. The audience appreciated the appearance of Navalny’s wife and her speech in honor of her imprisoned husband with great applause and a standing ovation. In her acceptance speech, she recalled that her husband was just one of hundreds of thousands who are in prison in Russia. “We have to fight for the freedom of these people.”
After Thomas Gottschalk (73) led through 75 years of the Bambi Awards while sitting in a wingback chair, Giovanni Zarrella thrilled the audience in a duet with Mandy Capristo (33) with the Italian classic “Volare”. Wincent Weiss (30) also provided an emotional moment with his song “Nur ein Herz” in memory of all famous personalities who unfortunately died in 2023 – most recently including Hans Meiser, Elmar Wepper and Matthew Perry.
The Swedish musician Zara Larsson (25), who was honored in the “International Music” category, also performed. Her Bambi was presented to her by TikTok boy band Elevator Boys after her performance.
Actress Franka Potente (49) enthusiastically gave the eulogy for the Danish “world star” Mads Mikkelsen (57): “a great actor, but also a great guy”. The Hollywood star finally impressed with his friendly manner in his acceptance speech. According to Mikkelsen, he dedicates his golden “deer” to his newly born granddaughter Maria. “‘Bambi’ is my daughter’s favorite movie and she just gave me a granddaughter.”
From “Kir Royal” to “Welcome to the Hartmanns”: Palina Rojinski presents her film mother Senta Berger (82) with the golden Bambi Award for her life’s work. The location of the award ceremony in particular made the popular actress emotional in her acceptance speech: “I particularly remember my very first test shoots, which took place here in Bavaria.”
Of course, the “Legend” category could not be missing from the 75th awards ceremony. Music star Peter Maffay was able to go home with this award and a laudatory speech from Otto Waalkes (75). “This Bambi feels like an outstretched hand,” said the 74-year-old in his speech. “Our empathy must go to peace-loving people.”
