The “XY Prize 2020” will be awarded

As an award for brave and courageous action, this year's XY Prize will be awarded for the first time in the studio during the ZDF live broadcast "Aktenzeichen XY... ungelöst" on November 18, 2020, due to the Corona conditions.

Federal Minister of the Interior and patron Horst Seehofer will honor the everyday heroes in a personal video message; the award winners will be connected to the broadcast.

The exemplary actions of those being honored will be presented and honored in a conversation with moderator Rudi Cerne and in detailed film contributions.

"The award winners are role models for solidarity and civil courage. Both are essential cornerstones of our democratic community and more important than ever. Especially at a time with the serious consequences of a pandemic, it is important to us to draw the attention of a broad public and to honor this courageous, direct and prudent help with the XY Prize," said ZDF program director Dr. Norbert Himmler.

This year, the prize, each worth 10.000 euros, will be awarded to four people who have made a special contribution to their fellow human beings.

Alexander Kernstock (37) prevented serious child abuse, Luca Höppner (19) and his mother Finja Klenz (42) saved a woman from a stalker attack, and Thomas Schmitt (28) stopped a brutal serial rapist.

The award, which was launched in 2002 by ZDF and the “Aktenzeichen XY… ungelöst” production company Securitel, is being presented for the 19th time.

The eleven-member jury of experts selected this year's winners from around 200 suggestions from viewers, relatives or friends of victims, and from police departments.

In addition to the award ceremony during the show, viewers will, as usual, be asked for their assistance in current cases involving the investigative authorities.

© Photo: ZDF, Jule Roehr