German Film Awards 2025: ‘September 5’ and ‘The Seed of the Sacred Fig’ lead nominations amidst industry evolution

The 2025 German Film Awards nominations spotlight September 5 and The Seed of the Sacred Fig, reflecting German cinema’s shift towards global narratives and international collaborations.

The German Film Academy has announced the nominees for the 2025 German Film Awards, commonly known as the Lolas, with September 5 and The Seed of the Sacred Fig emerging as frontrunners.

‘September 5’

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Directed by Tim Fehlbaum, September 5 is a gripping thriller that revisits the harrowing events of the 1972 Munich Olympics terrorist attacks. The film has secured ten nominations, including Best Film and Best Director. Leonie Benesch’s portrayal of a translator for a U.S. television network covering the attacks earned her a nomination for Best Supporting Actress. The film’s intense narrative and meticulous direction have resonated with both audiences and critics.

‘The Seed of the Sacred Fig’

Mohammad Rasoulof’s The Seed of the Sacred Fig offers a profound psychological exploration of Iran’s theocratic regime, focusing on a family’s internal struggles amidst societal turmoil. Despite being produced in Iran with Persian dialogue, the film qualifies for the German Film Awards due to the involvement of a German producer. It has been selected as Germany’s entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2025 Oscars. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, receiving the Special Jury Prize and critical acclaim for its authentic depiction of contemporary issues.

The prominence of The Seed of the Sacred Fig in the German Film Awards nominations underscores a broader trend in German cinema: the embrace of international co-productions and diverse storytelling.

The German Film Academy’s acknowledgment of films like The Seed of the Sacred Fig demonstrates a commitment to showcasing stories that transcend national boundaries, offering audiences a richer cinematic experience.

Looking Ahead: The 2025 Lolas Ceremony

The 2025 German Film Awards ceremony is scheduled for May 9 in Berlin, with actor Tom Schilling set to host. As the industry continues to evolve, this year’s nominations highlight a dynamic fusion of local and global perspectives in German cinema.