Award: Superstars, glamor and touching moments at the “Bambi” gala

The “Bambi” gala stands for show, for superstars, for glamorous outfits and emotional performances: With pop star Robbie Williams and soccer world champion Toni Kroos, two friends met on stage – and mutual fans. Kevin Costner provided charm and Hollywood glamor, rapper Shirin David received a golden deer for her rocket-like career and there were also political, calm tones that evening.

Entertainer Robbie Williams received the “Bambi” for the third time after 2013 and 2016 – and thanked his German fans who once let him into their hearts and accompanied him through ups and downs to this day. The Briton joked that he had his DNA tested: “I’m eight percent German.”

Football fan Williams was pleased to be able to award the “Bambi” in the sports category to former national player Toni Kroos. The Brit listed the 34 titles won by Kroos and described the former Real Madrid star’s game as magical. He praised the footballer’s down-to-earth attitude and intelligence. Kroos, in turn, said he attended Robbie Williams’ famous “Live at Knebworth” concert in England as a 13-year-old and has been a fan ever since.

Rapper Shirin David, who delivered one of the hits of the year with “Belly, Legs, Po”, showed an unusual side of herself on stage: She was always very nervous when she had to speak in front of people, she said, and then showed a sense of humor: She thanked her for the “far too nice” eulogy and dedicated the “Bambi” to her mom, who always has her back. “I can pose naked with a pretzel, and you say to me, if Botticelli can paint his Venus, then I can also pose with a pretzel in front of my innermost being. And I love you for that, forever.”

Jella Haase was awarded best actress – for her leading role in the film “Chantal in Fairytale Land”, the follow-up to the film series “Fack ju Göhte”. For more than ten years she played the role of Chantal, who prevailed despite much resistance and went her own way. “If I learned one thing from Chantal, it is to be non-conformist and courageous, not to behave, to believe in the good,” said the 32-year-old.

A rock star was also celebrated – Bryan Adams. He was named a legend on “Bambi,” but didn’t necessarily see himself in that role. “The legends for me are the children of Gaza, so thank you for this award.” On stage, the 65-year-old (“Summer of 69”) performed his global hit “Heaven” and admitted that he had a “long love affair with Germany.”

Kevin Costner (“Yellowstone”) visibly felt comfortable among all the stars. The Oscar winner raved about the beautifully dressed women, good-looking men and interesting conversations in the room. “I won’t forget this night,” said the winner in the international acting category.

Silent moments are also part of the “Bambi” gala: Lars Eidinger, winner in the best actor category for the drama “Die”, provided one of these. He chose thoughtful words given the political situation with wars and upheavals. “Can you celebrate celebrations in such times?” he asked. “Today was the first time that I thought, somehow this doesn’t feel right.” Eidinger quoted a poem by Bertolt Brecht, “The Later Born”: “Really, I live in dark times.”

When the elderly Holocaust survivor Margot Friedländer came on stage, the guests stood up to applaud – probably the most touching moment. “Be human!” said the 103-year-old and “thank you, thank you.” She smiled and hugged the golden deer that was awarded to her in the courage category.

Even at 103 years old, Margot Friedländer never tires of pointing out what connects people, for example during her visits to schools and educational institutions, said laudator Sophie von der Tann, ARD correspondent for Israel and the Palestinian territories. She quoted the laureate: “There is no Christian, Muslim or Jewish blood. There is only human blood.”

Classical and techno with Lang Lang and Sven Väth

The pianist Lang Lang played a waltz by Frédéric Chopin – the piece had only recently been rediscovered and caused a sensation. The 42-year-old had high praise for the DJ, music producer and techno star Sven Väth, who was honored in the culture category. “You have the unique talent of mixing the structure of classical compositions with the energy of electronic beats,” enthused Lang Lang. “I love your beats!”. Techno embodies freedom and unites people in love and rhythm, said Sven Väth.

Teddy Teclebrhan won as best comedian, mountaineering icon Reinhold Messner was honored in the “Our Earth” category and the Christian children and youth organization Die Arche also received a “Bambi” (Silent Heroes). The successful series “Maxton Hall – The World Between Us” from Prime Video received the audience award. The “Bambi” has been awarded since 1948. The red carpet walk and the awards ceremony itself were broadcast by Prime Video.