The deadline for submissions for the The BKM Cinema Programme Award („Liebling Kino“) and the Federal Government’s cinema and distribution programme awards is now open. Cinemas in Germany can submit their applications digitally with immediate effect. The deadline is 30 June 2026 at 11.59 pm, as stated on the official events portal of the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media (BKM).

Applications must be submitted exclusively online via the relevant portal and require, amongst other things, a complete and comprehensive fixture list as well as electronic authentication.

The Cinema Programme Award recognises cinemas whose annual programme makes a special contribution to cultural diversity in German cinema The focus is particularly on cinemas showing a high proportion of European and German films, as well as curated programmes and arthouse screenings.

The award will be presented again in 2026, although the future of individual funding schemes in the cinema sector remains the subject of political debate. As things stand, the award ceremony is scheduled to take place in December 2026.