Christian Friedel Biography

Friedel made his breakthrough with Michael Haneke’s Palme d’Or–winning film The White Ribbon (2009), where his portrayal of a young village schoolteacher earned critical acclaim worldwide. He later solidified his international reputation through roles in Amour Fou (2014) and Jonathan Glazer’s Oscar-winning The Zone of Interest (2023), where he played Rudolf Höss, delivering a hauntingly restrained performance that received global praise.

In addition to his screen work, Friedel is also an accomplished stage actor and the lead vocalist of the German art-rock band Woods of Birnam. The group’s music often blends classical and experimental influences, with Friedel contributing both as a performer and songwriter.

With his talent bridging acting and music, Christian Friedel continues to define himself as one of Europe’s most versatile artists — effortlessly moving between film, theatre, and sound. His work in The Zone of Interest has introduced him to a new global audience, reaffirming his status as a powerhouse in modern German cinema.