Actor, musician and director Christian Friedel ("The Zone of Interest", "Babylon Berlin") has been awarded the Dresden 2024 Art Prize, endowed with 7,000 euros. "He is not only an outstanding actor, but also an artist who pushes the boundaries of art and explores new horizons," said the jury, explaining their selection on Friday, according to the city hall. "The radiance of his work extends far into society and reaches the younger generation in particular. Through his commitment in various media, from stage to screen and music, he appeals to young people and sets an inspiring example in the world of art."
The jury praised Friedel's acting mastery and his "multifaceted talent", which also manifests itself as a director, singer and songwriter. He is also actively committed to social and cultural issues such as human rights, global justice and environmental protection. "It touches me when I can inspire young people with my work to discover different ways of expression," explained the 44-year-old and thanked him "from the bottom of my heart" for this appreciation.
In this day and age, "where there is an urgent need for dialog in society, art is an important mediator and needs greater attention," said Friedel. "Art is perhaps the most important form of education in a society."
Friedel, born in Magdeburg in 1979, studied at the Otto Falckenberg School in Munich. His career took him from the Bayerisches Staatsschauspiel via Schauspiel Hannover to Dresden, where he was a member of the ensemble at the Staatsschauspiel from 2009 to 2016 and has been associated with the theater as a guest since then. The 44-year-old, who lives in Dresden, is also successful with his band Woods of Birnam, which he founded in 2011, and is also celebrated at the Schauspielhaus Düsseldorf.
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