“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.
He masters the entire spectrum of entertainment, from sketches to feature films: Michael Bully Herbig, one of Germany's most versatile and successful artists, is being honoured with the 2025 BAMBI jury's honorary award. With his unique blend of humour, creativity and depth, he has not only revolutionised the German entertainment landscape, but also taken on a special social responsibility: he gives us hope, courage and the power of laughter – especially in difficult times. In doing so, he builds bridges between people and reminds us of our shared values through his stories.
With his incomparable sense of humour and his ability to tap into the collective passions and desires of Germans, Michael Bully Herbig has joined the ranks of Germany's greatest comedians – from Heinz Erhardt to Loriot to Otto Waalkes. The actor, director, writer and producer has made film and television history over the past three decades, touching generations of audiences in the process.
“Humour is a miracle cure: when we laugh, we can't think about anything else. Not about problems, not about difficulties; worries fade into the background. In times like these, we need people who make us laugh. People like Michael Bully Herbig. He does what everyone is grateful for: he makes the whole country laugh. His ‘Kanu des Manitu’ is once again on its way to becoming the most successful film of the year. We can't get enough of his comedy show ‘LOL: Last One Laughing’ on Prime Video – everything Bully touches turns to gold. And he's unstoppable – we wouldn’t want it any other way.”
Jens-Peter Behr, deputy editor-in-chief of Funke programme magazines and member of the BAMBI jury
With his parodies and tributes to certain genres, Michael Bully Herbig has repeatedly proven that humour is more than just entertainment – it is a unifying force that brings people together and gives them strength in difficult moments. Starting with his comedy show “Bullyparade” through “(T)Raumschiff Surprise – Periode 1”, “Lissi und der Wilde Kaiser”, “Hui Buh – Das Schlossgespenst”, “Der Boandlkramer und die ewige Liebe” and “Wickie und die starken Männer”, to the most successful German film of all time: “Der Schuh des Manitu”.
But Herbig is much more than a comedian: his work shows a deep understanding of the social significance of storiytelling. With the historical thriller “Balloon”, he recounted the spectacular escape of two families from the GDR, bringing a piece of German history to life. The film reminds us of the importance of freedom and humanity – values that are still relevant today. With his media satire “Tausend Zeilen” (“A Thousand Lines”), he also addressed a socially relevant topic: the handling of truth and responsibility in journalism. Herbig shows how entertainment and critical reflection can go hand in hand.
His latest project, “LOL: Last One Laughing,” has set new standards: with Michael Bully Herbig as host, the show, featuring a star-studded cast, became the most successful unscripted entertainment programme on Prime Video in Germany and a symbol of shared laughter.
With his unique blend of intelligent humour and sophisticated storytelling, Michael Bully Herbig not only gives us unforgettable moments of laughter, but also works that touch, inspire and provoke thought.
The BAMBI Awards ceremony will be streamed live from Bavaria Studios on November 13, 2025, at 8:15 p.m. The live broadcast is available free of charge on Prime Video for the first time. All Amazon customers can stream BAMBI without a Prime membership.
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 will be presented in more than 12 categories.
For the third time in a row, the BAMBI awards ceremony will take place in Munich, sponsored by the Bavarian State Chancellery. Streaming service Prime Video will once again broadcast the ceremony live as a media partner. As the official entertainment partner, the entertainment platform TikTok will stream 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).
