Leipzig – September 09, 2026 -- The 32nd Goldene Henne awards show turned the Leipzig trade fair grounds into a glittering stage last night, drawing up to 3.4 million viewers on Das Erste and an 18 percent market share.
International stars headline the musical lineup
Take That, Helene Fischer, Johannes Oerding, Unheilig, Michael Schulte and Peter Maffay performed alongside Florian Künstler and the MDR Kinderchor. Fischer debuted her new single live for the first time, while Take That teamed up with Michael Patrick Kelly for what organizers called a German premiere.
Armin Mueller-Stahl receives the show's lifetime honor
Hosted by Esther Sedlaczek and Florian Silbereisen, the ceremony awarded Mueller-Stahl for his life's work and gave Hape Kerkeling the Goldene Henne in the Film & Television category. Felix Lobrecht and figure skating pair Minerva Hase and Nikita Volodin also took home trophies. The series "Babylon Berlin" received an honorary Henne ahead of its final season, set to return to the ARD Mediathek on September 10.
Volunteers and caregivers share the spotlight with celebrities
The gala also honored volunteer helpers from Berlin's animal shelter, lifesavers, and the Leuchtturm children's and youth hospice, recognizing people who typically stay out of the public eye. The Goldene Henne 2026 was staged by MDR and SuperIllu in cooperation with NDR, BR and rbb.