BAMBI 2011 in Wiesbaden moved and stirred in the Rhein-Main-Hallen on Thursday evening. Practically never before had Germany’s most important media event seen such a broad spectrum of prize-winners.

It ranged from former Federal Chancellor Helmut Schmidt (Millennium BAMBI), who received a standing ovation for his appeal for responsible co-existence in Europe, to the smartphone generation in the shape of musician Tim Bendzko (Newcomer) and US star Justin Bieber (Entertainment). Lady Gaga (International Pop) thrilled with her stage performance, and Gwyneth Paltrow (International Film), who also “played her part” in greeting the 800-plus guests, radiated Hollywood glamour. But the silent heroes, role models because of their commitment, were also in the limelight. “They are the backbone of our society, let us bow down before them”, said lauder and BAMBI supremo Patricia Riekel. She honoured three prize-winners in this category: Birgit Martschin, Stefan Bruhn and Leines Garworski. What was also especially moving was when Johannes B. Kerner presented the judging panel’s Special Award to Ralf Rönckendorf. The soldier saved a colleague’s life in Afghanistan, which selfless act cost him his eyesight. “I would do the same again any time”, said Rönckendorf.

Lauder Peter Maffay presented the prize in the “Integration” category to Bushido. “I don’t know if I deserve this prize”, said the controversial rapper. “But I learnt my lesson and deserved a second chance.” Other prize-winners were Jeanette Hain (National Actress), Thomas Gottschalk (TV Event of the Year) – the TV game show host will be giving his prize to his crew of many years – , Matthias Brandt (National Actor), Ric O’Barry (Our Earth), Ruth Maria Kubitschek (Lifetime Achievement), Sarah Pisek (Talent), Simon Verhoeven (National Film), and Rosenstolz (Comeback). This year the public’s BAMBI went to the TV series “Der Mann mit dem Fagott”.

16-year old Jennifer Lopes di Gaspari also made a great appearance. “Miss BAMBI” won the Facebook contest which 1,500 girls entered and she was allowed to present her idol Justin Bieber with his Golden Deer. The “Miss BAMBI” election was only one part of this year’s large-scale social media offensive for BAMBI 2011. The social media innovations also included a live streaming from the Red Carpet on the BAMBI Facebook page, on BUNTE.de and FOCUS Online, as well as exclusive reports with the prize-winners after the BAMBI ceremony, which can be seen on Facebook.

 

 

Overviews of prize-winners and lauders 

 

CATEGORY	PRIZE-WINNERS	LAUDERS
National Actress	Jeanette Hain	Florian David Fitz
TV Event Of The Year	Jahres Thomas Gottschalk	Cindy aus Marzahn
Newcomer	Tim Bendzko	Collien Fernandes
National Actor	Matthias Brandt	Veronica Ferres
Our Earth	Ric O‘Barry	Judith Rakers
Entertainment	Justin Bieber	Gwyneth Paltrow
Lifetime Achievement	Ruth Maria Kubitschek	Axel Milberg
Talent	Sarah Pisek	Der Graf
National Film	Simon Verhoeven Männerherzen	Franziska Knuppe Eva Padberg
Comeback	Rosenstolz	Andrea Sawatzki
Silent Heroes	Birgit Martschin Stefan Bruhn Leines Garworski	Patricia Riekel
Integration	Bushido	Peter Maffay
International Pop	Lady Gaga	Karl Lagerfeld
Public’s BAMBI (TV Series)	Der Mann mit dem Fagott	Sky du Mont
Judging Panel’s Special Award	Ralf Rönckendorf	Johannes B. Kerner
International Film	Gwyneth Paltrow	Armin Rohde
Millennium	Helmut Schmidt	Sandra Maischberger