The German Film Prize will not be awarded until autumn next year. The reason for the postponement is the corona pandemic.
The German Film Prize will not be awarded in spring 2021, but on October 1st. The reason for the postponement to autumn is the effects of the corona pandemic on the German film industry, according to a statement. "The corona pandemic will continue to be a huge challenge for all cinemas, producers and distributors in the coming months. For this reason, together with the German Film Academy, we decided not to award the German Film Prize as usual in To take place in spring, but in autumn 2021, "said Minister of State for Culture Monika Grütters (58), explaining the decision.
This creates greater planning security when submitting films, the statement said. "We look to the coming year with hope – and support the cinemas and the film industry with all our strength to survive and overcome the crisis," said Grütters. It was also announced that Nico Hofmann (60) will take over the artistic direction of the gala on October 1st.
"The pandemic has severely shaken our industry"
Ulrich Matthes (61), President of the German Film Academy, explained: "It is now more important than ever that we all stick together! The cinemas had to close again, film releases postponed and productions interrupted – the pandemic has shaken our industry." He also emphasized that the postponement of the film award would create more flexibility for distributors and producers, "and of course we hope for advances in science. Hardly ever have the encouragement and support that this award brings with it for German film is more important. I am extremely pleased that Nico Hofmann is at our side this special year ".
"Systemsprenger" cleared this spring
This year's German Film Awards ceremony took place on April 24 without a gala due to the corona pandemic. Actor Edin Hasanovic (28) moderated the Lola Awards, which was broadcast live on Erste. The winners were broadcast live from their living room via video chat. The big winner of the evening was the drama "Systemsprenger" by director Nora Fingscheidt (37): ten times nominated, eight awards, including "Best Feature Film", "Best Director" and "Best Screenplay".