The XXIII Golden Eagle Awards Ceremony took place on January 31, 2025, at the renowned Mosfilm film studio in Moscow, celebrating the best of Russian cinema for the year.
President Vladimir Putin extended his greetings to the participants and guests, emphasizing the prestige of the awards and the talent of the nominees. He stated, "Dear friends! I welcome you to the Golden Eagle National Film Award ceremony. All nominees share talent and dedication to creating compelling movies," reaffirming the significance of Russian cinema.
This year's ceremony marked another exciting chapter for the National Academy of Cinematographic Arts and Sciences as it announced the winners for 2024. The film "Air" directed by Alexey German Jr. emerged as the standout winner, taking home the coveted award for Best Film. German Jr.'s film not only won the top prize but also garnered accolades for Best Male Lead, awarded to Sergey Bezrukov, and Best Supporting Female Role, which went to Elena Lyadova.
Alongside "Air," the romantic drama "Look at Me!" by Vladimir Grammatikov also made waves during the ceremony. Aleksandra Ursulyak won Best Female Lead for her performance, adding to the film's prestige.
Additional awards were presented, with the Best Television Series award going to "Stolypin" and the Best Online Series honor awarded to "Trassa." The ceremony showcased the rich diversity and talent within the Russian film and television industries, as films and series released from December 1, 2023, to November 15, 2024, were eligible for consideration.
Vladimir Medinsky, the Assistant to the President, also made remarks during the event, saying, "This prestigious award embodies success and opens new opportunities for realizing plans," highlighting the importance of creative endeavors and culture. The awards not only celebrate artistic achievements but also aim to inspire the next generation of filmmakers and actors.
Another notable moment of the evening was when composer Alexey Rybnkov received a special award for his contributions to Russian cinema. He expressed his gratitude by saying, "I'm very proud to receive the 'Golden Eagle'. It’s been quite a long road, but it's worth it," commemoratively recalling the depth of his artistic career. Rybnkov's music has been influential, making him deserving of this recognition.
The event served not only as a platform to honor exceptional talents but also as a celebration of the history and legacy of Russian cinema. Footage showcasing memorable moments from classic films introduced by legendary figures brought nostalgia as guests reminisced about the impactful storytelling and artistry.
Konstantin Ernst, producer of the awarded movie "Air," concluded with remarks about the film’s significance. He reflected, saying, "'Air' is about us – then and now," encapsulating the film's connection to contemporary issues and its resonance with audiences.
With awards like the Golden Eagle continuing to shine light on remarkable artistic achievements, the future of Russian cinema appears bright. The support of prominent figures and the growing interest from the audience point toward new horizons and opportunities for filmmakers. Ceremonies like this not only celebrate existing talent but also encourage innovation within the ever-evolving cinematic arts.
The ceremony was broadcast live, allowing fans of cinema to join the celebration from homes across Russia. With each award, the spirit of the event reminded everyone of the passion and dedication fueling the vibrant Russian film industry.