Actress Iris Berben receives 2026 Cultural Policy Award

Actress Iris Berben is set to receive the 2026 German Cultural Policy Award in recognition of her extensive and dedicated efforts against antisemitism, racism, and right-wing extremism. The German Cultural Council announced that the award celebrates her decades-long commitment to these crucial social issues.

The award ceremony is planned for September 24 at the Berlin State Library. Renowned pianist Igor Levit will deliver the laudatory speech. The council highlighted that Berben consistently integrates her artistic career with a firm social and political stance. Through readings, school visits, public discussions, and speeches, she actively remembers the crimes of National Socialism, champions the visibility of Jewish life, and resolutely opposes antisemitism and misanthropy.

"She demonstrates the societal power that artists can unleash when they raise their public voice for others," stated Olaf Zimmermann, managing director of the German Cultural Council. He emphasized that Berben makes it clear that confronting antisemitism, racism, and right-wing extremism is an ongoing societal responsibility. Her engagement is described as credible, persistent, and of significant cultural policy importance.

Born in 1950, Iris Berben is one of Germany's most recognized actresses and has received numerous accolades for her performances. The German Cultural Policy Award, which is not endowed with prize money, has been presented by the German Cultural Council since 2021 for outstanding contributions to cultural policy. It evolved from the "Kulturgroschen" award, which had been given since 1992. Last year, former Minister of State for Culture Monika Grütters received the award.

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She demonstrates the societal power that artists can unleash when they raise their public voice for others.