An Dorthe Braker to Receive Honorary German Film Award
The esteemed casting director An Dorthe Braker, affectionately referred to as the “casting queen” of German cinema, is set to be honored with a distinguished German Film Award. This recognition acknowledges her exceptional contributions to the evolution of the German film industry, as announced by the German Film Academy on Monday.
A Pioneer in Casting
Braker made groundbreaking strides in the 1990s by importing a U.S.-style casting methodology to Germany, playing a crucial role in shaping the profession during a time when it was not yet officially acknowledged within the country. Through her impactful work on acclaimed films such as Run Lola Run, Downfall, and Nowhere in Africa, she has consistently showcased and promoted generations of German talent on the global stage.
The Impact of An Dorthe Braker
Alexandra Maria Lara, president of the German Film Academy and an actress whose career was launched by her role in Downfall, expressed gratitude for Braker’s influence, stating, “Many biographies of actors would not have been written without her.” Lara emphasized Braker’s assertive and clear vision, which has significantly shaped the role of casting directors in Germany and brought immense value to the cinematic landscape.
Her Notable Works
Braker’s extensive portfolio includes Oscar-nominated films like The Baader Meinhof Complex (2008) and Schtonk! (1992), as well as innovative television series such as In the Face of Crime (2010) and Hell (2011), which marked the debut feature of director Tim Fehlbaum.
A Special Ceremony
Braker will be celebrated during the 75th German Film Awards scheduled for May 9 in Berlin. The event will be hosted by actor Christian Friedel, known for his roles in The Zone of Interest and The White Lotus. Notably, Friedel owes part of his early success to Braker’s recommendation for the lead role in Oliver Hirschbiegel’s 13 Minutes (2015).
Looking Ahead
In other news, the nominations for the 2025 German Film Awards, popularly known as the Lolas, will be revealed on March 17.