When the "Oscars of Aviation" are awarded for the fifth time to the best of the best in aviation on September 5, 2026, at the event resort scalaria, the aviation world will turn its attention to the Salzkammergut region. This year, Hollywood legend Morgan Freeman will host the social highlight, appearing for the second time as the host of the award gala after 2022. And this time, the audience will also get closer to the action: To experience the spectacular air show "Flying Emotions," featuring the highlight "Flying Opera" by the Flying Bulls, up close, the Wolfgangsee tourism region will set up a public viewing area along the promenade.

A Hollywood Friendship That Has Grown

It's no coincidence that Morgan Freeman keeps returning to Lake Wolfgang. The star, whom the world knows from classics like The Shawshank Redemption, Se7en or Million Dollar Baby has long since developed a friendship with the event resort by the lake: As a passionate pilot and a Living Legend of Aviation himself, he already hosted the awards ceremony in 2022.

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„This place is awesome!“, Morgan Freeman raved back then.

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

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Where Legends Are Honored

The 2026 gala evening will focus on individuals honored for their outstanding achievements in aviation, space, and technology. In 2026, awards will once again be presented, and new members inducted into the Hall of Fame – an exclusive circle that includes Solar Impulse pioneer Bertrand Piccard, the official "Ambassador of Aviation" John Travolta, who personally presented the coveted awards on-site in 2019, as well as Tom Cruise, Harrison Ford, Chuck Yeager, Bob Hoover, Elon Musk, and Jeff Bezos. It's no surprise, then, that the who's who of international aviation and society are once again expected on the red carpet this year.

The Award Gala can be experienced as a company or as an aviation enthusiast up close, also via the Sponsor Tables in the DO-X Teatro.
More at: scalaria.com/living-legends-of-aviation.

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Science Lounge: Setting the Course for the Future

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

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

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“This year, too, the national and international society will gather on the Red Carpet. However, we are particularly proud to have found a format with the Science Lounge that connects people – and that can contribute to developing technology for everyday life and for addressing major challenges.”
– Humberto Schenk, scalaria

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Flight Demonstration: Flying Emotions on Lake Wolfgang with Free Admission

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

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Also Living Legends Award winner and world record holder Dario Costa is already looking forward to his return to Wolfgangsee. The exceptional pilot has announced he will present a specially developed “Special Move” as part of the Flying Emotions Show – a spectacular performance designed to go far beyond a classic airshow.

Dario Costa was honored with the “Bob Hoover Freedom of Flight Award” in 2024 – an award created to recognize exceptional 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.

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

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„This show was amazing!“

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Those looking to secure the perfect view of this spectacle will find it in the public area on the promenade directly by the water – and thus a prime spot with free admission, usually reserved for invited guests.

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“The world visiting Wolfgangsee – that fills us with great joy. For scalaria, the Living Legends of Aviation represent the highlight of the year. Especially because we have always felt a strong connection to aviation. This event is a great honor for us.” – Simone Gastberger, scalaria

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