Germany's most important media awards, the BAMBI Awards, were presented to their winners at a glamorous gala held at the Congress Centre in the German city of Düsseldorf on 22nd November. Millions of viewers were able to follow the 64th BAMBI Award Ceremony live on TV (on the German channel "Das Erste") and hundreds of thousands of people all got involved online using social media channels such as Twitter and Facebook.

The BAMBI Awards are a major media event, an impressive tribute to the heroes of our times and a symbol of recognition. People who have done something extraordinary, touched our hearts, selflessly helped others or provided perfect entertainment in the course of the year are worthy of being awarded the Golden Deer. Some of the winners of this year's awards included both German and international stars such as Salma Hayek (in the category of "International Film"), Céline Dion ("Entertainment"), Felix Baumgartner ("Millennium"), the rapper Cro ("German Pop"), Blacky Fuchsberger ("Lifetime Achievement") and the band "One Direction" ("International Pop").

The Golden Deer was also awarded to courageous pioneers and individuals who have made a mark and set an example with their dedication and commitment. The BAMBI in the category of "Silent Heroes" was presented to the medical practitioner and Catholic sister Dr Ruth Pfau, who has dedicated her life towards helping lepers in Pakistan. The award in the category of "Our Earth" was presented to the polar bear researcher Dr Steven C. Amstrup. 

Rabbi Daniel Alter was the recipient of the BAMBI Award in the category of "Integration". Three months ago, he was the victim of a brutal mugging attack in Berlin. He did not, however, let this act of violence intimidate him but instead used his determination to achieve reconciliation to become a symbolic figure for peaceful interaction between Jews and non-Jews in Germany. The presentation of the BAMBI Award for "Courage" was a particularly emotional part of the award ceremony in Düsseldorf. This prize was awarded to Tina K., the sister of Johnny K., a young man who was recently murdered in Berlin. Tina K. has been campaigning against violence ever since her brother lost his life whilst trying to protect his friend.

The award ceremony on 22nd November was the second time that the BAMBI Awards have been presented in the metropolis of Düsseldorf on the River Rhine. The event received extensive support from the city and its presenting partner Mercedes-Benz, while Motorola presented the BAMBI STAR LOUNGE for the second time. The award ceremony also featured airberlin, Chopard, Douglas, Gerolsteiner, Lindt, Peek & Cloppenburg Düsseldorf KG, Schwarzkopf, Steigenberger Hotels and WMF as its official partners.

Find impression of the BAMBI Awards 2012 in our galley: http://www.bambi-awards.com/slideshow