North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) is celebrating a strong showing at the 2026 Deutscher Filmpreis (German Film Awards), with ten nominations going to projects supported by Film- und Medienstiftung NRW. The awards, considered Germany’s most prestigious film honor, will be presented on May 29th in Berlin. This year, the foundation is also an official co-partner of the Deutscher Filmpreis, signaling its growing influence within the national film landscape and its commitment to fostering cinematic talent in the region. The nominations highlight the diversity and quality of filmmaking originating from NRW, a region increasingly recognized as a hub for German film and television production.
The foundation’s support extends across a range of categories, demonstrating its broad investment in the German film industry. From major contenders for Best Film to recognition for technical achievements like sound design and visual effects, the nominations underscore the impact of Film- und Medienstiftung NRW’s funding initiatives. This year’s success builds on years of consistent support for both established filmmakers and emerging talent, solidifying NRW’s position as a key player in the national film ecosystem. The Deutscher Filmpreis nominations are a significant indicator of the health and vibrancy of the film industry in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Leading the pack with seven nominations is “Ach diese Lücke, diese entsetzliche Lücke” (Oh, This Void, This Terrible Void), a film produced by Komplizenfilm. The film is nominated for Best Film, alongside individual acting nods for Senta Berger (Best Actress) and Bruno Alexander (Best Actor). Further recognition for the film includes nominations for Best Director and Best Screenplay for Simon Verhoeven, Best Supporting Actor for Michael Wittenborn, and Best Sound Design, recognizing the work of Eckhard Kuchenbecker, Dominik Schleier, Nico Krebs, Christoph Merkele, and Hanse Warns. The breadth of these nominations speaks to the film’s critical and artistic success, and its potential to take home multiple awards.
Expanding the Creative Landscape in NRW
Beyond “Ach diese Lücke, diese entsetzliche Lücke,” other NRW-backed projects are also in contention. “Die Schule der magischen Tiere 4” (The School of Magical Animals 4), produced by Kordes &. Kordes, and “Woodwalkers 2,” from blue eyes Fiction, both received nominations for Best Visual Effects. “Sie glauben an Engel, Herr Drowak?” (Do You Believe in Angels, Mr. Drowak?), a production by Zieglerfilm, is recognized for its sound design, with nominations for Jaques Kiefer, Tobias Koch, and Bertin Molz. These nominations demonstrate the foundation’s commitment to supporting a diverse range of genres and production styles, from family-friendly adventures to thought-provoking dramas. Film- und Medienstiftung NRW actively seeks to support projects that reflect the cultural richness and creative potential of the region.
A New Venue for Celebrating German Cinema
The Deutscher Filmpreis is not only about the awards themselves, but also the surrounding events that bring the film community together. This year, the Nominiertenabend (Nominees’ Evening) will be held for the first time at the Representation of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia to the Federal Government in Berlin. This location, already familiar to many filmmakers through NRW receptions during the Berlinale film festival, underscores the state’s commitment to supporting the industry. Film- und Medienstiftung NRW is a partner of both the Nominiertenabend and the Deutscher Filmpreis ceremony on May 29th, further solidifying its role as a central figure in German cinema. NRW Minister of Media, Nathanael Liminski, emphasized the importance of the event, stating, “The list of nominees for the German Film Award shows the full range and special radiance of German filmmaking.”
Wim Wenders to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award
Adding to the excitement surrounding the Deutscher Filmpreis, renowned director Wim Wenders will receive the Honorary Award for his outstanding contributions to German cinema. The Deutscher Filmpreis website confirms that Wenders, a native of Düsseldorf, will be honored at the May 29th ceremony. Film- und Medienstiftung NRW has a long-standing relationship with Wenders, including a joint scholarship program and numerous collaborations over the years. The foundation lauded Wenders’ influence, noting that he has “shaped filmmaking worldwide for over five decades and inspired generations of filmmakers with his work.” His recognition is a testament to the enduring power of his vision and his impact on the art of cinema.
The Deutscher Filmpreis gala, hosted by Christian Friedel, will be broadcast live on ARD Mediathek at 7:00 PM on May 29th, and will air on the ARD channel at 10:20 PM. This widespread accessibility ensures that a broad audience can celebrate the achievements of German filmmakers and experience the excitement of the awards ceremony. The broadcast will further elevate the profile of the nominated films and filmmakers, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue about the future of German cinema.
The projects supported by Film- und Medienstiftung NRW nominated for the Deutscher Filmpreis include:
- “Ach, diese Lücke, diese entsetzliche Lücke” (Director: Simon Verhoeven, Production: Komplizenfilm)
- “Die Schule der magischen Tiere 4” (Director: Bernhard Jasper, Production: Kordes & Kordes)
- “Sie glauben an Engel, Herr Drowak?” (Director: Nicolas Steiner, Production: Zieglerfilm)
- “Woodwalkers 2” (Director: Sven Unterwaldt, Production: blue eyes Fiction)
As the Deutscher Filmpreis approaches, the spotlight remains on the vibrant film community in North Rhine-Westphalia. The foundation’s continued investment in local talent and projects promises to further strengthen the region’s position as a leading force in German cinema. The next key date for the industry will be the awards ceremony on May 29th, where the winners will be announced and the achievements of German filmmakers will be celebrated.
What are your thoughts on the nominees? Share your predictions and favorite films in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this article with fellow film enthusiasts!
