Sound of Falling Dominates German Film Awards with 10 Wins, Including Best Film and Best Director

Mascha Schilinski’s Sound of Falling, an experimental period drama that explores the lives of four young women across different eras in rural East Germany, achieved remarkable success at the 2026 German Film Awards, known as the Lolas. The film secured ten awards, including Best Film and Best Director for Schilinski.

A Triumph at the Lolas

Sound of Falling, which premiered at Cannes last year and won the Jury Prize, was the frontrunner heading into the Lolas. It won in every category for which it was nominated, underscoring its critical acclaim and audience reception. In contrast, Yellow Letters, directed by İlker Çatak and a winner at the Berlin Film Festival, received nine nominations but only managed to secure the Silver Lola for Best Film and the award for Best Score, awarded to composer Marvin Miller.

Notable Acting Achievements

Simon Verhoeven’s comedy Ach, diese Lücke, diese entsetzliche Lücke garnered two acting awards. Senta Berger, an esteemed figure in German cinema and Verhoeven’s mother, won Best Actress at the age of 85, marking her first Lola win. Michael Wittenborn, who portrayed her on-screen husband, also received recognition for his performance.

Best Actor honors were awarded to August Diehl for his role in The Disappearance of Josef Mengele, directed by Kirill Serebrennikov. In this film, Diehl portrays the notorious Nazi doctor evading capture in South America after World War II.

Ceremony Highlights

The 76th edition of the German Film Awards was hosted by actor Christian Friedel, known for his roles in The Zone of Interest and The White Lotus. The ceremony was marked by emotional moments and political undertones.

Wim Wenders, the legendary German director known for films such as Paris, Texas and Pina, received an honorary Lola for his lifetime achievements. During his acceptance speech, Wenders reflected critically on his six-decade career, particularly addressing a controversial scene from his 1975 film Wrong Move that featured a topless shot of actress Nastassja Kinski, who was only 13 at the time. He expressed his discomfort with the scene and sought guidance from younger filmmakers in the audience regarding its future in the film.

Support for Tricia Tuttle

The audience at the Berlin Messe showed their support for Tricia Tuttle, the director of the Berlin Film Festival, with a standing ovation as she presented the Best Director award. Tuttle faced significant pressure earlier this year, including calls for her resignation from certain media outlets due to pro-Palestinian statements made by a Berlinale winner. Ingo Fliess, producer of Yellow Letters, used his acceptance speech to directly address German Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer, who had been involved in the campaign against Tuttle.

Complete List of Winners

The following is a comprehensive list of the winners at the German Film Awards:

Lola for Best Film

Sound of Falling, directed by Mascha Schilinski

Silver Lola for Best Film

Yellow Letters, directed by İlker Çatak

Bronze Lola for Best Film

Ach, diese Lücke, diese entsetzliche Lücke, directed by Simon Verhoeven

Best Director

Mascha Schilinski for Sound of Falling

Best Documentary

Siri Hustvedt – Dance Around the Self

Best Children’s Film

Circus Boy

Best Actor

August Diehl for The Disappearance of Josef Mengele

Best Actress

Senta Berger for Ach, diese Lücke, diese entsetzliche Lücke

Best Supporting Actress

Lena Urzendowsky for Sound of Falling

Best Supporting Actor

Michael Wittenborn for Ach, diese Lücke, diese entsetzliche Lücke

Best Cinematography

Fabian Gamper for Sound of Falling

Best Editing

Evelyn Rack for Sound of Falling

Best Sound Design

Claudio Demel, Billie Mind, Kai Tebbel, Sebastian Heyser, Jürgen Schulz for Sound of Falling

Best Score

Marvin Miller for Yellow Letters

Best Costume Design

Sabrina Krämer for Sound of Falling

Best Production Design

Cosima Vellenzer, Maike Kiefer for Sound of Falling

Best Hair and Make-Up

Anne Marie Walther, Irnina Schwarz for Sound of Falling

Best Visual Effects

Michael Wortmann, Frank Schlegel for Momo

Audience Prize for Most Successful Film

Manitou’s Canoe, directed by Michael “Bully” Herbig

Lifetime Achievement Lola

Wim Wenders

Bernd Eichinger Prize

Thomas Wöbke, Philipp Trauer

As reported by www.hollywoodreporter.com.

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Published on 2026-05-30 02:17:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk