Emotional comeback at the German Film PrizeCollien Fernandes back on the red carpet – “I’m glad my fight mode is back!”

“It meant a lot to me”

For Collien Fernandes the evening was a special moment. In the interview, she talked about the importance of the many positive reactions from colleagues: “It actually means a lot to me. (…) Because it's so tiring, it really builds you up. That might sound silly, but when there are phases when you're down, it actually helps you.” She also reported that she had received support from colleagues at a previous appointment who hugged her and told her: “It’s great that you’re doing this.”

Video tip: Collien, can you still trust men?

Open words about a difficult time

Collien also spoke openly about a difficult phase in her life: “I'm glad that my fight mode is back because I didn't have that in a year. And I'm glad that I was able to get to this point again.” People around her helped her get through this time and find herself again.

At the same time, she was critical of public discussions surrounding her: “What I find astonishing is how many people are convinced of something that doesn't correspond to the facts at all. And I also have the feeling that many people have something like an allergy to facts. For example, people keep commenting: She has no evidence at all – which I find absurd in light of the court's ruling in Hamburg.”

When asked about Fahri Yardım, friend of her ex-partner Christian Ulmen and co-star of the series “Jerks”, Collien said: “I would definitely like to say hello to him. Let's see, maybe he'll run away from me too.” When asked about her expectations for the evening, she added: “There are a few that it might be nice to see.”

Stars showed solidarity on the carpet

The public discussion was triggered by allegations made by Collien Fernandes against her ex-husband Christian Ulmen. The moderator explained in “Spiegel” in March 2026 that Ulmen had presumably created fake profiles and distributed pornographic content that was intended to give the impression that she was being shown. Ulmen's lawyer rejects central allegations.

The allegations have sparked a widespread reaction across the media and film industries. It's not just about the specific case, but also about fundamental questions: How do those affected go public with such experiences? What power structures exist in the industry? And why do many people find it difficult to openly address grievances?

Reading tip: Collien Fernandes is surprised by the reactions to the Christian Ulmen case

Numerous German celebrities gathered on the red carpet and sent a clear signal of solidarity with Collien Fernandes. They supported the actress and presenter openly and emotionally.

Marie Nasemann found clear words: “Especially in the industry, it is incredibly important to simply draw attention to topics in the media and also in the film industry that are not working. 'Me too' is a big topic. And many people don't dare because we all, especially women, are afraid that we won't get any more roles, that we will be on some black lists. But it is all the more important that we show solidarity and still be loud and open our mouths when it matters.”

Gizem Emre also only found warm and supportive words for Collien Fernandes: “I hope that she gets a lot of solidarity, encouragement and that she is supported and feels comfortable.”

The German Film Prize

The German Film Prize 2026 will be awarded on May 29th in the Berlin Palais am Funkturm. The nominations were announced on March 31st. Actor Christian Friedel will host the evening.

This year, special attention is paid to director legend Wim Wenders, who will be awarded the honorary award. In addition, “The Canoe of Manitu” by Michael Bully Herbig is in focus as the most popular film of the year.

Source used: own RTL research, Mirror, Ntv