“RONZHEIMER.” has just been awarded the BAMBI 2025 in the “Culture” category. Paul Ronzheimer impressively demonstrates how podcasts as a cultural medium can inspire, inform and unite people.
Their special commitment, artistic excellence and extraordinary achievements have provided important impacts in our society: This evening (13 November 2025), 14 national and international personalities were honoured with a BAMBI Award. The 1,000 invited guests were welcomed by Burda Media CEO Philipp Welte. Streaming service Prime Video broadcast the media event of the year live from the Bavaria Studios in Munich for the second time.
Hazel Brugger shows that humour can be a tool for change - through personality, commitment and authenticity. Laudator Martina Hill honoured Brugger as "one of the smartest and funniest voices of our time" and presented her with the BAMBI Award in the "Comedy" category. In her acceptance speech, Hazel Brugger made the surprising announcement that she would be hosting a spin-off of the successful hit show LOL: Last One Laughing. The spin-off will premiere on Prime Video in 2026 with an adapted show concept that will make ten comedy stars known from social media laugh out loud.
One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the jury's honorary award to Michael Bully Herbig. As an actor, director and producer, but above all as an encourager, he has shown our society how important humour is, especially in difficult times. Laudator Hannah Herzsprung praised Herbig: "This award is a tribute to his talent, his dedication, but above all to the person he is."
Heidi Klum embodies global success, inspiration and an extraordinary international career. As a supermodel, she has conquered the catwalks of the world; as an entertainer, she has been a hit for 20 years with her successful show "Germany's Next Topmodel" (GNTM), promoting diversity in the process. She was awarded the BAMBI in the "Entertainment" category for her work. Friend and supermodel Naomi Campbell presented her with the trophy, which she happily accepted: "I feel a great deal of gratitude for this award and my outstanding team. GNTM has become a place where people become visible. Thank you to everyone who applies every year."
The "Culture" category was a premiere. Podcasts were nominated here for the first time - unique productions with added social value. Paul Ronzheimer was delighted to receive a BAMBI Award for his podcast "RONZHEIMER.", in which the deputy editor-in-chief of the Bild newspaper talks about the most important topics of our time from all over the world seven days a week. Paul Ronzheimer was overjoyed to receive his BAMBI Award from laudator Michelle Hunziker and emphasised: "I'm incredibly proud because this shows that journalism works."
From "Shooting star" to "Shooting star": After Shirin David herself was awarded the BAMBI in this category in 2019, she now had the honour of presenting the trophy to this year's award winner Zah1de. The musician from Berlin-Kreuzberg has already built out one of the most impressive careers of the digital age and emphasised in her acceptance speech: "My goal is to be a role model for children and young people. Please believe in yourselves. This award is proof that you can do it."
Three outstanding German musicians were up for election in the eagerly awaited audience category "Music Act of the Year". Fans were able to vote live during the show. In the end, Zartmann prevailed over Kamrad and Oimara thanks to the huge support of his fans. Laudator Johannes Oerding presented Zartmann with his BAMBI Award, who was delighted: "Just under a year ago, I was still working in my father's workshop and now I can stand here and look into faces that I previously only knew from TV."
The BAMBI Award in the "Lifetime achievement" category went to pop legend Roland Kaiser, who has inspired and moved millions of people with his music for decades. Giovanni Zarrella emphasised in his laudatory speech: "It is an honour for me to present you with this award. And I would say not for your life's work, but for the first 50 years." Kaiser was visibly moved as he expressed his thanks: "The loyalty of my fans has always given me the strength to continue on my path. I hope that all the young artists will be given the chance to stand up here one day and receive an award for their life's work."
Justus von Dohnányi was honoured with the BAMBI Award in the "National Actor" category for his impressive performance in "The Cum-Ex Affair" and was presented with the trophy by laudator Anneke Kim Sarnau. Mala Emde, who impressed the jury with her role in "Köln 75", was honoured with the BAMBI Award in the "National Actress" category. Actor and laudator Daniel Donskoy presented her with the award.
A particular highlight of this year’s awards ceremony was the presentation of the trophy in the “International Actress” category: Hollywood star and two-time Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett was honoured for her distinguished career marked by exceptional performances. „Reflecting on the wealth of opportunities I have been afforded over the years, I’d like to dedicate this award tonight to the thousands of cinema artists and entertainers around the world who currently do not enjoy the opportunities that we in this room enjoy. Artists who are currently displaced due to war, unrest and conflict, artists who are unable to move freely, artists whose voices are being silenced and whose fundamental human right of creative expression is under threat.“
Leo Neugebauer provided us with a sporting highlight this year. The exceptional athlete not only shone with gold at the World Athletics Championships, but also set new standards in the decathlon and is a role model for all young athletes. Laudator Esther Sedlaczek presented him with the BAMBI Award in the "Sport" category, and he was visibly moved as he accepted the golden deer: "I say to all the Leos out there, big and small: go out, enjoy life and have fun!"
Irish environmental activist Fionn Ferreira was honoured with the BAMBI Award in the "Our Earth" category for his pioneering research into removing microplastics from the oceans. He was presented with the trophy by Rea Garvey, who appealed: "Be brave. Maybe your idea is the one that will change the world."
As a surprise, the BAMBI Award 2025 in the "Silent Heroes" category was awarded to Michaela Schubert and her initiative "Boxt euch durch München", which offers disadvantaged children and young people opportunities for the future through education, nutrition and sport. Laudator Christine Theiss, world champion in kickboxing, honoured the work of Michaela Schubert and her team in her speech. The success of the project speaks for itself: all of the young people supported have graduated from school and found an apprenticeship. The Munich native was visibly surprised when she accepted the BAMBI Award for her favourite project: "I am so speechless and surprised. To receive such appreciation on an evening like this is something very special. Just thank you."
The crowning glory of the evening was the presentation of the BAMBI Award in the "Legend" category to Cher. The exceptional artist was honoured for her decades of commitment as an activist and icon. In addition to her impressive career as a singer and actress, Cher has made a name for herself above all as a tireless campaigner for animal welfare. Laudator Hannes Jaenicke honoured Cher as "a woman who, with her foundation, stands up for those who have no voice."
BAMBI 2025 was once again a symbol of humanity, courage and the conviction that extraordinary personalities can change the world.
The evening was hosted by Swiss presenter Michelle Hunziker and content creator Feli as social host.
Honorary award of the jury: Michael Bully Herbig (laudator: Hannah Herzsprung)
Sport: Leo Neugebauer (laudator: Esther Sedlazcek)
Culture: "RONZHEIMER." (Laudator: Michelle Hunziker)
Actress National: Mala Emde (Laudator: Daniel Donskoy)
Actor National: Justus von Dohnányi (Laudator: Anneke Kim Sarnau)
Actress International: Cate Blanchett (Laudator: Götz Otto)
Comedy: Hazel Brugger (Laudator: Martina Hill)
Audience Choice Music Act of the Year: Zartman (laudator: Johannes Oerding)
Shooting star: Zah1de (laudator: Shirin David)
Entertainment: Heidi Klum (Laudator: Naomi Campbell)
Our Earth: Fionn Ferreira (Laudator: Rea Garvey)
Lifetime achievement: Roland Kaiser (Laudator: Giovanni Zarrella)
Legend: Cher (Laudator: Hannes Jaenicke)
Silent heroes: Michaela Schubert "Boxt euch durch München" (Laudator: Christine Theiss)
BAMBI – Germany's media award for stories that move people
Since 1948, BAMBI has honoured personalities who touch Germany, achieve something special, and serve as role models. As a journalistic platform, BAMBI takes responsibility for society and makes the messages of the award winners visible – emotionally, profoundly, and digitally. This year, the award is being presented in more than 12 categories.
Official BAMBI partners 2025
For the third time in a row, the BAMBI awards ceremony took place in Munich, sponsored by the Bavarian State Chancellery. Streaming service Prime Video is once again broadcasting the ceremony live as a media partner. As the official entertainment partner, the entertainment platform TikTok streamed the live broadcast from the red carpet. This year's official BAMBI partners are AIGNER, Chopard, Dr. Barbara Sturm, ELASTEN Trink-Kollagen, ELOTRANS reload, IhreApotheken.de, LLOYD, Schwarzkopf, and Yacht-Magazin. The ceremony is also supported by partners ANDECHSER NATUR, Augustiner-Bräu, Champagne Laurent-Perrier, Degussa, EDEKA, ipuro, JUVIA, L'Osteria, Nespresso, Staatl. Fachingen, and Südliche Weinstraße (Pfalz).
