The German Film Academy has revealed the lineup of movies competing for the prestigious German Film Awards, known as the Lolas, which are the local equivalent of the Oscars. Among the top contenders this year are Matthias Glasner’s family drama 'Dying,' Timm Kröger’s sci-fi feature 'The Universal Theory,' and Ayse Polat’s thriller 'In the Blind Spot.'
'Dying,' starring Lars Eidinger, has garnered nine nominations, including best film, best director, and best screenplay. 'The Universal Theory' and 'In the Blind Spot' are also in the running for multiple awards.
Other notable nominees include Adrian Goiginger's WW2 film 'The Fox,' Milena Aboyan's 'Elaha,' and Hans Steinbichler's 'A Whole Life.' In the acting categories, Christian Friedl and Hannah Herzsprung are among the contenders for their performances.
The Lola ceremony, which offers a total prize money of $3.25 million, will take place in Berlin on May 3. Last year's big winner was Ilker Çatak’s 'The Teachers’ Lounge.'
However, this year's awards could be overshadowed by political debates following controversial comments made at the Berlin Film Festival. German Culture Minister Claudia Roth has called for a code of conduct to govern government-backed cultural institutions, including the German Film Awards.
The nominees were announced live on German TV, with Roth presenting alongside film academy presidents. The awards cover various categories, including best film, director, actress, actor, screenplay, and technical achievements.
Stay tuned for the winners of the German Film Awards, where the best of German cinema will be celebrated and rewarded.