Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Gazprom – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
On March 27, International Theatre Day, the Golden Masks presented special prizes to laureates for the development and support of theatrical art. A total of 14 laureates received special prizes. Vladimir Mashkov, President of the Golden Mask Awards and Festival, opened the awards ceremony. Gazprom-Media Holding is the media partner of the Golden Mask Awards and Festival.
"Today, we recognize the achievements of those who have made a significant contribution to the development of theatrical art and provided it with invaluable support. This ceremony is special because it is taking place in the year of the 150th anniversary of the Union of Theatre Workers of Russia, whose flagship project is the Golden Mask… We honor laureates from various parts of Russia – Vologda, Arkhangelsk, Ulan-Ude, Tver, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Moscow. This once again underscores that the richness of Russian theater lies in its unity, born of geographical and creative diversity."
Vladimir Mashkov, People's Artist of Russia, Chairman of the Union of Theatre Workers
He thanked those who support the Golden Mask award and festival: the Russian Ministry of Culture, the Moscow Department of Culture, the Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives, Sber, and the Metropol Hotel.
The awards ceremony was held for the first time in the Metropol's Historical Hall. The idea for this building was conceived by Savva Mamontov, a philanthropist who made a significant contribution to the development of Russian culture; he dreamed of creating a space in the center of Moscow where various art forms could come together. The hotel's halls continue to host important cultural events. The ceremony was hosted by Vadim Vernik.
Deputy Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation Sergey Pershin read a greeting from Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova. "In the year of the 150th anniversary of the Union of Theatre Workers of the Russian Federation, this celebratory event takes on special significance. Theater has always served as a spiritual support, a home for the arts, where everyone can find inspiration and learn new things, gain a closer understanding of the history and traditions of our multinational country, and better understand the great works of Russian and world classics," the Minister of Culture noted.
The special prize for the development of theatrical art was awarded to Irina Muravyova, Lyudmila Chursina, Sergei Migitsko, Alexander Voroshilo, Boris Lyubimov, Mikhail Levitin, Veronika Kosenkova, Nina Ryzhova (Tumanova), Boris Granatov, Viktor Panov, and Naina Khonina.
Irina Muravyova admitted she'd dreamed of such an award. "I've wanted the Mask all these years, but I pretended I didn't care. And just when that desire had somehow passed me by, I received it. Thank you so much! There's just one problem: I'm afraid to wake up in the morning and start loving myself in art, and art in myself, so I don't think it'll happen. It (the Golden Mask) will hang, I'll keep playing, everything will remain the same."
Boris Lyubimov, President of the M.S. Shchepkin Higher Theatre School at the Maly Theatre and Secretary of the Union of Theatre Workers of the Russian Federation, noted the relevance of this art form today. "Life is changing. It's changing in every way: for good and for bad. And in the theatre world, too, of course. I think people who went to/lived in the theatre in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s won't recognize their favorite theaters; they might be disappointed or disillusioned. But on the other hand, the dynamic of theatre life certainly exists. What I've seen in recent years: I haven't seen empty auditoriums, let alone half-empty ones, or even a quarter-empty ones."
Vladimir Mashkov, president of the award and festival, especially thanked those who support theatrical art. The Golden Mask laureates included Rustam Minnikhanov, head of the Republic of Tatarstan, Fanny Ardant, French theater and film actress, and, for the first time in the award's history, the city of Moscow. They were awarded "for their support of theatrical art."
Vladimir Mashkov emphasized that theater is given enormous attention in Russia. No other country in the world has such a large number of state theaters, and, of course, the largest number are located in the capital. "For the first time in history, we are awarding the most theatrical city, and a city is, first and foremost, its people," said Vladimir Mashkov. The award was presented to Alexander Fokin, Head of the Theater Department of the Moscow Department of Culture. He announced that the Golden Mask award will be kept at the Museum of Moscow.
Actress Fanny Ardant was unable to attend the ceremony, but recorded a video message for the evening's participants: "To enter the magical circle of theatre-makers means transcending all boundaries. It means speaking a common language, expanding your perceptions, and opening your hearts. It means creating an invisible, yet continuous and indestructible bond between all who passionately love theatre. You have awarded me this prize. It is a tremendous joy for me. It is such a magnificent gift. I thank you so much."
Vladimir Mashkov, in turn, stated that the award was given to a great friend of Russia. "We want to present this award to a great friend of Russia, whose name has long been a symbol of French cinema and theater. I am, of course, speaking of Fanny Ardant. Her work is a reminder that true great art knows no boundaries," he said.
The Golden Mask award will be presented to Rustam Minnikhanov by Irada Ayupova, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Tatarstan. She noted that the regional authorities hold theatrical art in high regard and strive to create the best possible conditions for its development. "It is even more honorable that this Mask is being presented in the year of the 120th anniversary of our Tatar theater," the minister added.
At the end of the ceremony, a thematic Troika card was presented, timed to coincide with the ceremony and World Theatre Day. It is dedicated to the Russian National Theatre Award, the Golden Mask.
We remind you that the 32nd festival season of the Golden Mask Award and Festival is underway in Moscow and the regions. The winners will be determined and announced at the Awards Ceremony, which will take place in late June in Omsk, the 2026 cultural capital. Applications are also being accepted for the new competition cycle. Performances that premiered between August 1, 2025 and July 31, 2026, are eligible for the 33rd season.
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