The 2024 Golden Eagle Awards Ceremony unfolded on January 31, 2025, at Moscow's Mosfilm Pavilion, shining the spotlight on the finest talents in the Russian film industry. Highlighting the ceremony was the military drama Air, directed by Alexey German Jr., which clinched the prestigious award for Best Film, affirming its status as the standout production of the year.
German's film not only earned the title of Best Film but also secured five more accolades, demonstrating its comprehensive excellence. These included Best Actor for Sergey Bezrukov, who captivated audiences with his powerful performance, and Best Supporting Actress for Elena Lyadova, whose role left an indelible mark on the narrative. The film's technical prowess was recognized with awards for Best Editing, Best Sound Design, and Best Visual Effects.
Another big winner was Vladimir Grammatikov, awarded Best Director for his heartfelt family drama Look at Me!. This film also earned the award for Best Actress for Aleksandra Ursulyak, showcasing her deeply moving portrayal of complex emotional struggles. The rich storytelling canvas of Look at Me! successfully captivated both audiences and critics alike.
At the same time, the ceremony celebrated creative storytelling across various genres, with Love of the Soviet Union by Nikita Vysotsky and Dmitry Iosifov gaining recognition. The film received several nominations and triumphed with the Best Screenplay award for its poignant narrative woven against the backdrop of historical events from the 1930s and 1940s.
Love of the Soviet Union also won accolades for Best Cinematography, courtesy of Maxim Shinkorenko, and awards for notable artistic contributions including Best Costume Design and Best Music Score. It was evident from the nominations and wins for this film how it captured the essence of its subject matter, intertwining personal stories with the overarching historical fate of the nation.
The awards night was marked by emotional tributes, including one posthumously awarded to actor Roman Madyanov, who achieved the Best Supporting Actor award for his final role. Madyanov, recognized for his deep contributions to the craft, passed away from lung cancer the previous September.
Other noteworthy mentions included Stolypin, which was lauded as the Best TV Series, affirming the growing influence of scripted dramas across television platforms. The honor for Best Series on Online Platforms went to Trassa, reflecting the rising trend of digital content gaining traction and recognition within the filmmaking community.
To cement the night, the audience of filmmaking elites witnessed narratives come alive, with standout performances leading to awards recognizing both established figures and fresh talent. The special recognition of composer Alexey Rybin for his lifetime contribution to Russian cinema illuminated the impactful legacy of music within film storytelling.
High-profile actors such as Eлизавета Боярская and Виктория Исакова graced the red carpet, lending glamour to the event. The night also sparked conversations among attendees, such as the reported separation of filmmaker Michael Troynik from actress Yulia Peresild, indicating the human side of the high-profile industry.
Providing a sense of continuity, the ceremony began with a telegram from President Vladimir Putin, who underscored the importance of the Golden Eagle Awards as they symbolize achievement and recognition within the art of filmmaking. His appreciation for the films and creative efforts served to magnify the impact of the event.
Notably, the films presented at this year’s ceremony illustrated the versatility of stories—ranging from personal dramas to showcasing grand historical narratives. This indicates the film industry's capacity to engage with substantial issues relevant to society, mirrored by the dedication of the involved artists.
With every nomination and accolade, this ceremony not only celebrated artistic achievements but also honored the diverse narratives and lives depicted through film. This year’s Golden Eagle Awards highlighted the richness of Russian cinema, promising to inspire audiences and filmmakers alike for many years to come.