At this year's awards ceremony on 16 November at the Bavaria Film Studios in Munich, it was not only the heroes of our time that were honoured, but also the golden deer itself: with around 800 guests and many stars, it …
The Bambi awards have never been so noisy, as 500 fans cheered for the stars on the new red carpet extended for Bambi 2016. Every rise in volume across Potsdamer Platz signalled the arrival of yet another top star. Robbie Williams, Sting, Zara Larsson and German stars such as Matthias Schweighöfer, Florian David Fitz and Felix Jaehn pulled up in their Mercedes Benz limousines every few minutes. Social media stars such as Shirin David, Die Lochis and Bibi also headed to Berlin for the 68th Bambi ceremony, which this year witnessed six particularly moving moments.
From Schweinsteiger to Adorf
The 2016 Bambi ceremony began with a big surprise for Bastian Schweinsteiger as his childhood friend, ski racer Felix Neureuther, gave a speech. Schweinsteiger received the “Special jury award” in honour of his unique sporting career with all its ups and downs. And the German football legend got the Bambi audience on their feet for the first time that evening.
Sting gave a moving tribute – in German – to Udo Lindenberg, who received the Bambi for “German music”. “You have given new meaning to the concept of youth culture. The secret is to stay young at heart”, he said of the 70-year-old. Standing ovation number two for probably German’s biggest musician of the moment.
Saving the elephants
Saba Douglas-Hamilton and Frank Pole pulled the audience to their feet for the third time that evening as they accepted the “Our earth” award for their tireless work with the animal welfare organisation “Save the elephants”.
Yusra and Sarah Mardini’s contribution to the world was also unseen, although totally different: The Syrian sisters were honoured for their courage after they swam beside a refugee boat to keep it afloat, saving 18 lives – two unsung heroes whose story added a particularly poignant touch to the 68th Bambi ceremony.
Awards for Jogi Löw and Mario Adorf
Standing ovation number five went to Jogi Löw, who not only coaches football world champions, but is also a role model for integration. His closely knit national team, whose players have roots in various countries, work together and exemplify team solidarity for millions of people around the world. And this is why the Bambi jury chose Löw for this year’s “Integration” award.
The sixth person to be honoured by the audience was one of Germany’s greatest actors. Mario Adorf has been thrilling German viewers for decades. As his colleague Axel Milberg presented him with the “Lifetime achievement” award, the audience stood up one last time to express their appreciation.
WINNERS AND PRESENTERS BAMBI 2016
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