Unheilig singer Der Graf and Helene Fischer receive Golden Henne honors

Der Graf was visibly overwhelmed when he accepted a public award at the 2026 Golden Henne ceremony, following his emotional return to the stage at last year’s gala.

The Unheilig singer received the media prize in the music category. “I am truly overwhelmed,” he said in his acceptance speech. The ceremony, broadcast live from the Leipzig trade fair, presented 11 awards to figures from music, film, entertainment and sport, as well as to everyday heroes.

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I am truly overwhelmed.

Other public prizes went to comedian and podcaster Felix Lobrecht and pair-skating world champions Minerva Hase and Nikita Volodin. Esther Sedlaczek and Florian Silbereisen hosted the event, organized by MDR and SuperIllu in cooperation with NDR, BR and rbb.

Honorary awards went to singer Helene Fischer, British boy band Take That, the television series Babylon Berlin and Majeed Yarim, who acted as a first responder after the vehicle attack in Leipzig in May.

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Incidentally, I have already received several lifetime achievement awards. Always too early.

Actor Armin Mueller-Stahl received the Golden Henne for lifetime achievement and accepted it personally at age 95. The actor found success in both East Germany and West Germany before appearing in acclaimed Hollywood films. “Incidentally, I have already received several lifetime achievement awards. Always too early,” he said. Nearing his 96th birthday, Mueller-Stahl added that he was glad to still be here. “And I am staying here for now,” he said.

The bronze statuette has been awarded annually since 1995 in memory of entertainer Helga Hahnemann, who died in 1991. Fischer holds the record, with nine awards.

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And I am staying here for now.