Glitz, glamor and politics at the Bambis
It is one of the most emotional moments at the Bambis: Yulia Navalnaya enters the stage at the Bavaria Film Studios near Munich to a standing ovation. She is delighted to accept the award for her husband, she says. But she would be even happier if he could do it himself. Her husband, Russian Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, receives the Bambi in the "Courage" category.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen honored Putin opponent Navalny, who was sentenced to 19 years in prison in Russia on charges of extremism but is internationally considered a political prisoner, for "his dedication to freedom, democracy and human rights".
"What your husband, what your father has done for us, indeed for the whole world, can hardly be put into words," she says. "This indomitable man deserves our solidarity." She emphasizes: "We must carry his message into the world until he can hopefully do it again himself."
Glamor, emotion and politics
It is the most touching moment of a glamorous gala, which has returned from a three-year coronavirus break for the Bambi's 75th birthday - and in which things repeatedly turn political. For example, when Veronica Ferres announces the Bambi in the "National Film" category.
"Each and every one of us can do our bit to ensure that we can live in peace," she says - and awards the prize to the film "Oskar's Dress" by screenwriter Florian David Fitz about a transsexual child. The makers emphasize: "We will never stop making films that stand for a free, liberal and tolerant society. Without your hate."
Peter Maffay, who receives a Bambi as a "legend" from comedian Otto Waalkes, speaks of an "obligation to remain true to the values of our society" and calls for hate and violence in the world to be combated.
It is less political, but still touching, when presenter and singer Giovanni Zarrella seems genuinely surprised by his surprise Bambi in the Entertainment category, actor Mads Mikkelsen ("The Rush") dedicates his "Acting International" Bambi to his young granddaughter - and actress Senta Berger, honored for her life's work, says: "It has been a great, adventurous life, and this is a very special event to remind me of that."
Anniversary year of the awards
The Bambi is awarded by Hubert Burda Media and is one of the most important media and television awards in Germany. It has been around since 1948, so this year marks its 75th birthday.
In this anniversary year, the German national basketball team will receive the Bambi in the Sport category - presented by two former sports stars: Bastian Schweinsteiger and his wife Ana Ivanović. "We have proven what you can achieve when you have a team like this," said national coach Gordon Herbert.
Swedish pop singer Zara Larsson received the Bambi in the "International Music" category, Karoline Herfurth a Bambi for her role in "Einfach mal was Schönes" and Felix Kammerer one for his leading role in the Oscar-winning film "Im Westen nichts Neues".
Along with Kammerer, Florian David Fitz was nominated for his role in "Oscar's Dress" and Elyas M'Barek for his portrayal of investigative journalist Juan Moreno in "A Thousand Lines". The two fellow nominees are his friends, which is why he is happy when they win, he said before the award ceremony. And anyway: "Being there is everything."
- Despite his absence due to political persecution in Russia, Alexei Navalny was honored with the Bambi Award in the "Courage" category, with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasizing his dedication to freedom and human rights.
- During the Bambi Awards, Veronica Ferres made a political statement while announcing the winner of the "National Film" category, awarding it to "Oskar's Dress" for standing for a free, liberal, and tolerant society.
- At the glamorous gala, Swedish pop singer Zara Larsson, who received the Bambi in the "International Music" category, expressed her solidarity with Alexei Navalny, sending a message of hope for his release and freedom of speech worldwide.
Source: www.dpa.com
