André Eisermann as "Grandpa Willi" celebrates the award
The film Ein Mann seiner Klasse has been named Best TV Film at the 2025 German Television Award in Cologne. Leonard Kunz was also honoured as Best Actor for his role as Ottes in Ein Mann seiner Klasse. Congratulations to Leo. We are absolutely thrilled.
In its citation for the German Television Award, the expert jury noted that, thanks to the moving staging of inner and outer conflicts, the characters are never put on display. The authentic period atmosphere, the depiction of a milieu rendered without false social romanticism and, not least, a cast that is perfect right down to the supporting roles make the film a powerful statement on the subject of classism.
The feature tells the story of a ten-year-old boy growing up in difficult family circumstances in 1990s Kaiserslautern. The boy has to hold his own against poverty, violence and prejudice, and ultimately attends grammar school against the will of his alcohol-dependent father. André Eisermann plays Grandpa Willi.
The film is based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Christian Baron.
Saxonia Media Filmproduktionsgesellschaft mbH in co-production with SWR and BR for ARD.
Director: Marc Brummund
Casting: Mai Seck