Sound of Falling, directed by Mascha Schilinski, claimed 10 awards at the German Film Awards, including Best Film and Best Director for Schilinski.
Major Wins for Sound of Falling
The experimental period drama, tracing the lives of four young women across different epochs in rural East Germany, was the clear frontrunner at the 2026 Lolas. It swept all categories in which it was nominated. Schilinski's sophomore feature premiered at Cannes last year, earning the jury prize.
İlker Çatak's Yellow Letters had nine nominations but managed only a Silver Lola for Best Film and Best Score for composer Marvin Miller.
Acting Honors and Notable Wins
Simon Verhoeven's comedy Ach, diese Lücke, diese entsetzliche Lücke secured acting awards for Senta Berger and Michael Wittenborn. August Diehl won Best Actor for his role in The Disappearance of Josef Mengele, directed by Kirill Serebrennikov.
Veteran director Wim Wenders received an honorary Lola for Lifetime Achievement. Wenders reflected on his career, specifically a controversial scene from his 1975 film Wrong Move involving a young Nastassja Kinski. He expressed regret and sought advice from younger filmmakers on whether to remove the scene.
Controversy and Political Statements
The ceremony also featured political undertones. Tricia Tuttle received a standing ovation amid controversy over her position as Berlin Film Festival director. Ingo Fliess used his acceptance speech to address German Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer's pressure on Tuttle to resign.
Complete List of Winners
- Best Film: Sound of Falling, dir. Mascha Schilinski
- Silver Lola For Best Film: Yellow Letters, dir. İlker Çatak
- Bronze Lola For Best Film: Ach, diese Lücke, diese entsetzliche Lücke, dir. 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, dir. Michael “Bully” Herbig
- Lifetime Achievement Lola: Wim Wenders
- Bernd Eichinger Prize: Thomas Wöbke, Philipp Trauer
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/sound-of-falling-sweeps-german-film-awards-1236608855/
