Hollywood comes to Lake Wolfgang

When the "Oscars of Aviation" are presented to the best of the best in the aviation industry for the fifth time at the scalaria event resort on September 5, 2026, the aviation world will turn its eyes to the Salzkammergut. This year, Hollywood legend Morgan Freeman will host the social highlight, marking his second time as master of ceremonies since 2022. The audience will also be closer to the action this time: to ensure everyone can experience the spectacular "Flying Emotions" air show, featuring the Flying Bulls' "Flying Opera" highlight, the Wolfgangsee tourism region is setting up a public viewing area along the promenade.

‍

A Hollywood friendship that has blossomed

It is no coincidence that Morgan Freeman keeps returning to Lake Wolfgang. The star, known to the world from classics such as The Shawshank Redemption, Se7en or Million Dollar Baby , has long shared a friendship with the event resort by the lake: as a passionate pilot and a Living Legend of Aviation himself, he previously hosted the awards ceremony in 2022.

‍

‍

‍

‍

"This place is awesome!", raved Morgan Freeman during his visit to scalaria

‍

In 2024, Freeman celebrated the premiere of "The Symphonic Blues Experience"—a musical vision blending Delta blues with symphonic orchestral music, presented by the Ground Zero Blues Club from Clarksdale, Mississippi—on the scalaria Waterstage at Lake Wolfgang. The production is currently on a world tour in America:

‍

Where legends are honored

The 2026 gala evening centers on those individuals being recognized for their extraordinary achievements in aerospace and technology. In 2026, we will once again present awards and induct new members into the Hall of Fame—an elite circle that includes Solar Impulse pioneer Bertrand Piccard, official "Ambassador of Aviation" John Travolta, who personally presented the coveted awards in 2019, as well as Tom Cruise, Harrison Ford, Chuck Yeager, Bob Hoover, Elon Musk, and Jeff Bezos. It is no surprise, then, that the who's who of international aviation and high society is expected on the red carpet once again this year.

You can experience the awards gala as a company or an aviation enthusiast up close via the sponsor tables in the DO-X Teatro. Find out more at: scalaria.com/living-legends-of-aviation.

‍

Science Lounge: Where the course for the future is set

The Science Lounge has become a platform that, for the fourth time, offers attending personalities and decision-makers from business and technology the opportunity to advance future technologies, leverage resources, and exchange ideas.

The Science Talk, integrated into the program, is hosted by actress and presenter Annabelle Mandeng. Here, thought leaders from technology and business present alternative propulsion systems, new energy sources, and sustainable innovations—driving progress that could tangibly improve people's lives in the future. Partners include FACC, Sierra Nevada Corporation, Airbus, Falcon Dassault Aviation, the Austrian Space Forum, and Next Technologies from Salzburg.

‍

‍

"Once again this year, the red carpet will be the meeting place for national and international society. We are particularly proud, however, that with the Science Lounge, we have found a format that connects people—and that can contribute to developing technology for daily life and the great challenges ahead."
– Humberto Schenk, scalaria

‍

Air show: Flying Emotions at Lake Wolfgang with free admission

The fascination of flight becomes visible and audible in the sky itself. The air shows will feature new aircraft and air rescue maneuvers. As a highlight, the Flying Bulls from the Red Bull Hangar 7 in Salzburg will demonstrate why they are among the best and most sensational aerobatic teams in the world. Historic aircraft such as the mighty B-25, the Lightning, the Corsair, the aerobatic BO-105 helicopter, the Cobra, and the Mustangs will turn the airspace over Lake Wolfgang into a stage.

‍

‍

Living Legends Award winner and world record holder Dario Costa is already looking forward to his return to Lake Wolfgang. The exceptional pilot has announced that he will present a specially developed "special move" during the Flying Emotions show—a spectacular performance that promises to go far beyond a classic air show.

Dario Costa was honored with the "Bob Hoover Freedom of Flight Award" in 2024 —an honor created to recognize extraordinary aviation achievements, groundbreaking flight maneuvers, and spectacular stunt flying. He recently confirmed the spirit of this prestigious award impressively with the world's first successful landing of his Edge 540 on a moving train—another milestone in aviation history.

‍

‍

Hollywood icon and passionate pilot John Travolta, who attended the event in 2019, summed up his enthusiasm for the air shows:

‍

“This show was amazing!”

‍

For the perfect view of this spectacle, head to the public area on the waterfront promenade—a front-row seat with free admission that is usually reserved for invited guests.

‍

‍

“Welcoming the world to Lake Wolfgang fills us with great joy. For scalaria, the Living Legends of Aviation is the highlight of the year, especially since we have always felt a strong connection to aviation. This event is a great honor for us.” – Simone Gastberger, scalaria

‍

Sponsorship

Exclusive table packages and sponsor tickets are available for the awards gala for companies, partners, and guests—for all information and inquiries, please visit scalaria.com/living-legends-of-aviation.