“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.
Actors captivate and inspire with their expression, gestures, voice, and creativity – whether on stage, in cinema, or on television. They play a vital role in shaping our culture and enriching society with their talent. Originally one of the world’s first film awards, BAMBI has always celebrated exceptional acting. This year, three outstanding artists are nominated in the ‘Actor National’ category: Lars Eidinger, Tom Schilling, and Sabin Tambrea, all competing for the coveted Golden Deer.
Born in Berlin in 1976, Lars Eidinger made his first appearance in front of the camera at the age of 10. After training at the Ernst Busch Academy of Dramatic Arts, he joined the ensemble of the Berlin Schaubühne in 2000, gaining acclaim for his portrayals of title roles in Hamlet and Richard III. At 48, Eidinger has earned renown through numerous film and television roles. Alongside acting, he is also an internationally recognised photographer and a passionate DJ who founded the event series “Autistic Disco.” Lars Eidinger is nominated for the BAMBI 2024 in the ‘Actor National’ category for his lead role in the film Sterben, where he plays the son of a terminally ill, emotionally distant mother.
“Lars Eidinger walks a fine line between genius and madness, taking us on an emotional journey through the dysfunction of a family in Sterben. His portrayal of a conductor navigating both artistic and personal chaos is deeply moving. Beneath the cool, controlled exterior of his character, some emotions inevitably break free. His ability to perfectly capture the complex interactions between a man burdened by his own existential crises and those of his friends and family is remarkable. In Sterben, Lars Eidinger anchors the chaos with a performance that feels strikingly authentic."
says the BAMBI jury
Sterben was awarded the German Film Award in Gold for Best German Production.
Born in East Berlin in 1982, Tom Schilling discovered his passion for acting at the age of five and later joined the Berlin ensemble. His breakout role came in 2000, playing a boarding school student in Crazy. Schilling went on to star in productions like Napola – Elite für den Führer (2004) and Werk ohne Autor (2018). He is also known for his television roles in Das Adlon. Eine Familiensaga (2012) and Unsere Mütter, unsere Väter (2013). A talented musician, Schilling regularly tours with his band ‘Tom Schilling & The Jazz Kinds.’ He has been nominated for the BAMBI 2024 in the ‘Actor National’ category for his lead role as a dropout in the film Eine Million Minuten, one of the year’s three most successful German films, with 1.2 million viewers.
“Tom Schilling is a master of subtlety. In Eine Million Minuten, he portrays a man who radically changes his life and that of his family, slowly realising the new opportunities this brings for all of them. He plays a workaholic who has long prioritised his career over his family, but when he decides to take two years off to travel the world with his wife and children, it begins as just another managerial decision. Bit by bit, he reconnects with his daughter, who longed for a million minutes of his time and rekindles his love for his wife. Schilling’s portrayal of an ordinary man on a journey to rediscover his lost dreams is deeply touching, drawing us close to his character’s transformation."
said the BAMBI jury
Tom Schilling won a BAMBI in 2013 for Unsere Mütter, unsere Väter.
Sabin Tambrea, born in Târgu Mureș, Romania, in 1984, made his stage debut at six as a soloist in the children’s choir at Hagen Theatre. He trained at the Ernst Busch Academy of Dramatic Arts and performed with the Berliner Ensemble. Tambrea gained widespread attention for his portrayal of Ludwig II in the 2011 historical drama Ludwig II, for which he received the Bavarian Film Award. He is also well-known for his roles in the TV series Ku’damm 56 (2016), Ku’damm 59 (2018), Ku’damm 63 (2021), and Babylon Berlin (2020). In addition to acting, he is the author of two novels: Nachtleben (2021) and Vaterländer (2024). Sabin Tambrea is nominated for the BAMBI 2024 in the ‘Actor National’ category for his role as writer Franz Kafka in the feature film The Glory of Life.
“Sabin Tambrea’s portrayal of Franz Kafka is one of great sensitivity. His performance as the author, who is tormented by self-doubt, family struggles, and illness, shows deep empathy. Kafka, portrayed by Tambrea, feels like a figure who doesn’t quite belong to this world, yet Tambrea’s interpretation brings him close to us while keeping him just out of reach. In The Splendour of Life, Tambrea showcases his remarkable talent for bringing complex characters to life. His portrayal of Kafka is deeply respectful, never overstepping into vanity while capturing the nuances of this enigmatic historical figure."
says the BAMBI jury
Since 1948, BAMBI has honoured individuals who have made a significant impact in Germany, achieved outstanding accomplishments, and serve as role models for the German public. This year, the award will be presented in up to twelve categories. BAMBI’s media partner is Prime Video, and the event will be streamed live at prime time from Bavaria Film Studios on November 7, 2024.
For the second consecutive year, BAMBI will be held in Munich, sponsored by the Bavarian State Chancellery. The event is supported by numerous partners, including major companies and brands. Streaming service Prime Video will broadcast the award ceremony live as a new media partner. Other official BAMBI partners this year are Aigner, Chauffeur Service Blacklane, Chopard, Elasten Trinkkollagen, HolidayCheck, IhreApotheken.de, Marc Cain, Real Techniques, Schwarzkopf and Yacht-Magazin. Additional partners include Augustiner, Canonita, Champagne Laurent-Perrier, Degussa, Depot, Edeka, Masi, mey and Staatl. Fachingen.
