The BAMBI 2024 in the “Our Earth” category will be awarded tonight to one of the most successful extreme mountaineers of our time: Reinhold Messner.
Actors captivate and inspire us through their expressions, body language, and creativity. With their performances in films, TV series, and on stage, they make invaluable contributions to our cultural life, enriching society as a whole. Originally established as one of the world’s first film awards, BAMBI has always celebrated the craft of acting and the performers behind it. This year, three exceptional actresses are nominated in the 'Actress National' category: Jella Haase, Hannah Herzsprung, and Karoline Schuch, each with a chance to win the coveted BAMBI trophy.
Born in Berlin in 1992, Jella Haase first appeared on camera at age 17. Her breakout role came in 2013 as the schoolgirl Chantal Ackermann in Fack ju Göhte, where her performance was key to the overwhelming success of the trilogy, which drew over 21 million cinemagoers, making it one of Germany’s most successful film productions. This summer, director Bora Dagtekin brought Haase’s iconic character back to cinemas with Chantal im Märchenland, a spin-off centred around Chantal. But Haase’s filmography extends far beyond comedy. She has appeared in numerous film and TV roles, including Berlin Alexanderplatz and Lieber Thomas. Since 2022, she has starred in the Netflix series Kleo as a former East German contract killer out for revenge, a role that earned her the German Acting Award. Haase easily shifts between drama and comedy, and she has been nominated for the BAMBI 2024 in the ‘Actress National’ category for her lead role as the flamboyant influencer Chantal.
"Jella Haase is a gifted comedian. As Chantal, she demonstrates the rare art of making the audience laugh with the character, rather than at her. In Chantal im Märchenland, Haase steps into the spotlight, carrying the film with her infectious energy and genuine affection for the role. Just as in the Fack ju Göhte films, it's astonishing how Haase transforms into this quirky influencer, imbuing her with both naïve charm and street-smart wit. Her impeccable sense of timing and punchlines is outstanding, as is her versatility."
praises the BAMBI jury
With 2.7 million cinemagoers, Chantal im Märchenland is the most successful German film of the year.
Born in Hamburg in 1981, Hannah Herzsprung began her acting career at age 16 with a role in the TV series Aus heiterem Himmel (BR, 1997). She rose to fame in 2006 with Chris Kraus’ feature film Vier Minuten, where she portrayed a young, musically gifted inmate wrongly convicted of murder. The sequel, 15 Minutes, hit cinemas earlier this year. Herzsprung, now 43, has made her mark on several historical series, including Weissensee (2010-2013) and Babylon Berlin (since 2017), as well as films such as Vision – Aus dem Leben der Hildegard von Bingen (2009) and Ludwig II (2012). She is nominated for the BAMBI 2024 in the ‘Actress National’ category for her role as the gifted yet troubled pianist in 15 Minutes.
"Hannah Herzsprung is a master of emotions. When she brings feelings to the surface seemingly out of nowhere, it’s awe-inspiring and almost eerie. Returning to the role of the highly talented but psychologically burdened pianist after 15 years, Herzsprung’s portrayal is even more riveting. In 15 Minutes, she captures a character whose quiet intensity gradually builds into a haunting crescendo. Her ability to convey this transformation through her gaze alone is chilling. The contrast between the calm, polite actress behind the role and the turbulence she evokes on screen is remarkable."
notes the BAMBI jury
Hannah Herzsprung won a BAMBI in 2010 for her role in Weissensee.
Karoline Schuch, born in Jena in 1981, made her stage debut at the age of six. She launched her acting career as an adult in 2000 with the TV series Verbotene Liebe, portraying Lara Cornelius in 248 episodes before moving on to other projects. Her film credits include box-office hits like Zweiohrküken (2009), Zeiten ändern dich (2010), and Ich bin dann mal weg (2015). Die-hard Tatort fans will recognise the 43-year-old actress from her role as the daughter of lead inspector Freddy Schenk (played by Dietmar Bär) in the Cologne team, a part she regularly played until 2010. Starting in 2025, Karoline Schuch will step into the role of an investigator herself. In Tatort Kiel, she will succeed Axel Milberg, who played Klaus Borowski and will join forces with Amila Bagriacik to hunt down criminals. Schuch gained valuable experience in the 2024 ARD mystery crime series Oderbruch, where she starred as a former police officer investigating dark secrets from her homeland. It is for this compelling role that she has been nominated for the BAMBI 2024 in the ‘Actress National’ category.
"Karoline Schuch masterfully infuses her character in Oderbruch with an air of mystery. She portrays the ex-policewoman with an innocent facade, while subtly revealing a deeper, darker secret that unfolds gradually. The way she evolves before our eyes, from a seemingly uninvolved bystander to someone intricately entangled in the violent events, is a classic example of dramatic transformation. Her carefully nuanced reactions to the horrific murders and the murky motives behind them in Oderbruch make these unsettling moments feel believable. Schuch's ability to inject a hidden depth into the apparent normalcy is truly fascinating."
says the BAMBI jury
Oderbruch garnered eight million views in the ARD media library within its first six weeks.
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.
