U2 - Bono (Paul David Hewson), The Edge (David Howell Evans), Adam Clayton und Larry Mullen jr. Verleihung des BAMBI 2014 im Theater am Potsdamer Platz in Berlin am 13.11.2014 (c) Hubert Burda Media:BAMBI 2014, 13.11.2014, Berlin
Royal guests, a musical world exclusive and plenty of thrills – the 2014 BAMBI ceremony had it all. On 13 November 2014, the awards were presented for the 66th time in Berlin’s Stage Theater, honouring German and international stars and everyday heroes previously unknown to the public. Winners included Hollywood actor Uma Thurman, Irish rock band U2, Formula 1 driver Nico Rosberg and legendary director Helmut Dietl.
The arrival of Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mary of Denmark – her first appearance on German television – provided one particularly special moment, as she received the “Charity” award for her commitment to fighting domestic violence. In a moving acceptance speech, Her Royal Highness dedicated the accolade to “everyone brave enough to break the cycle of silence”. His royal Highness Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark accompanied his wife to Berlin.
More than 1,000 BAMBI guests and millions of people watching live at home also enjoyed a world première as pianist Lang Lang and tenor Jonas Kaufmann appeared together for the very first time. The two pop stars of classical music performed their interpretation of “You Are My Heart’s Delight”.
Meanwhile, World Cup heroes Miroslav Klose and Philipp Lahm were greeted with standing ovations. Their team mate, Bastian Schweinsteiger, presented the pair with the “Special jury award” for their performance on the German national football team. These exceptional players dedicated their award to football fans everywhere: “This BAMBI belongs to us all; we are all world champions”, said Philipp Lahm.
German pop queen Helene Fischer also put on a world-class show. Germany’s most successful artist received her second BAMBI (“Entertainment”) from Samu Haber, the frontman of “Sunrise Avenue”, who declared: “I was never a huge fan of traditional German pop, but then I got to know Helene. Everyone loves Helene Fischer – and so do I.” To prove it, the Finnish rocker performed an acoustic version of Helene’s song “Atemlos” on the guitar.
Helene Fischer Verleihung des BAMBI 2014 im Theater am Potsdamer Platz in Berlin am 13.11.2014 (c) Hubert Burda Media:BAMBI 2014, 13.11.2014, Berlin
There was also a standing ovation for Irish rockers U2, who for the last four decades have been channelling their fans’ emotions and combining them with impassioned statements. Formula 1 driver Nico Rosberg accepted his “Sport” BAMBI from his colleague David Coulthard, while the “Millennium” BAMBI was awarded to Michael Schumacher. In his speech, Sebastian Vettel spoke directly to his great role model: “Michael, you have sparked Formula 1 fever in so many people, not just me. You have revolutionised Formula 1.”
Helmut Dietl (“Lifetime achievement”) also extended some very personal thanks. Senta Berger and Iris Berben, the two grande dames of German cinema, presented the man considered to be the chronicler of our time with his gold-covered bronze sculpture.
The non-celebrity BAMBI winners also used their acceptance speeches to call for greater humanity and to inspire commitment in others. With her project “Aktion Tagwerk”, 30-year-old Nora Weisbrod aims to ensure that children in Africa receive a school education (“Our earth”). Wolfgang Sell of Thuringia dedicates his life to orphaned children (“Unsung hero”) and Munich-based Michael Stenger supports young refugees (“Integration”). All three dedicated their awards to those who spend their time supporting others.
Social media star Ariana Grande was named best newcomer. With more than 50 million fans on social networks, the US singer is considered the most influential online personality.
The BAMBI awards covered 20 categories in all. Winners are selected by a jury of Burda editors-in-chief and additional experts. The “People’s choice” category gives the viewers a voice, with this year’s award going to the hit ARD series “In aller Freundschaft”.
BAMBI, Germany’s most important media award, took place in the German capital for the sixth time (1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2013, 2014). The event is presented in partnership with Mercedes-Benz. Other official Bambi partners are Aigner, Alcatel Onetouch, Chopard, Gerolsteiner, Intel, Kryolan, Lufthansa, Fashion ID and Schwarzkopf. Support is also provided by Champagne Laurent-Perrier, Edeka, Grand Hyatt Berlin, Jägermeister, Potsdamer Platz Berlin, Riedenburger Brauhaus, Robinson, Ron Zacapa, Sofitel Berlin Kurfürstendamm and Südliche Weinstrasse.
WINNERS AND PRESENTERS
| CATEGORY | WINNERS | PRESENTER |
| Special jury award | Philipp LahmMiroslav Klose | Bastian Schweinsteiger |
| Entertainment | Helene Fischer | Samu Haber |
| Lifetime achievement | Helmut Dietl | Senta Berger & Iris Berben |
| International actress | Uma Thurman | Götz Otto |
| People’s choice:Most popular TV series of the year | “In aller Freundschaft” | Frauke Ludowig & Mareile Höppner |
| Our earth (“Aktion Tagwerk”) | Nora Weisbrod | Kai Pflaume |
| International music | U2 | Rea Garvey |
| Unsung heroes | Wolfgang Sell | Johannes B. Kerner |
| Comedy | heute show | Barbara Schöneberger |
| German music | Die Fantastischen Vier | Johannes B. Kerner |
| TV event of the year | Bornholmer Straße | Johannes B. Kerner |
| Sport | Nico Rosberg | David Coulthard |
| Millennium | Michael Schumacher | Sebastian Vettel |
| Charity | HRH Mary of Denmark | Maria Furtwängler-Burda |
| German film | Elyas M’Barek (“Fack ju Göhte”) | Toni Garrn |
| Newcomer | Ariana Grande | The BossHoss |
| German actress | Josefine Preuß | Florian David Fitz |
| Integration | Michael Stenger | Patricia RiekelFrancis Fulton-Smith |
| German actor | Francis Fulton-Smith | Nadja Uhl |
| Classical music | Lang Lang and Jonas Kaufmann | Nina Eichinger |
For all the latest information, visit www.bambi.de. Images are available free of charge at www.flickr.com/hubertburdameda.