In February 2023, the Academy revealed the nominees for the Moscow Art Theater Award named after Chekhov. The theater’s press service confirmed the list, reported by DEA News.
Under the ballet category, several Bolshoi Theatre performers were named as contenders. Ildar Gainutdinov received recognition for the Faun in Faun, while Alexei Putintsev was nominated for the role of Florizel in The Winter’s Tale. Elizaveta Kokoreva earned a nomination for Sylphide in Sylphide.
For the opera category, the finalists include Albina Latipova for Don Juan in the Bolshoi Theatre production, where she also performed the role of Donna Anna. Natalia Lyaskova is cited for her portrayal of Judit in The Castle of Duke Bluebeard at Perm Opera and Ballet Theatre, and Alena Verin-Galitskaya is highlighted for Star Kitten, represented in the Diaghilev Festival program.
In the literary nomination, Islam Khanipaev has work cited for the novel Cold Eyes, Asya Volodina for Hero, and Aleksey Kolesnichenko for The Last Case in poetry. In the film category, Nikita Kologrivy is recognized for Two Hills while Elizaveta Ishchenko is acknowledged for Alice Can’t Wait, with director Ivan Sosnin associated with Far Close on the creative team.
The theater category features director Andrey Gordin among the contenders for a production collaboration involving Brusnikin Atelier, Praktika Theater, and the district Children’s festival I’m so glad I am. Actress Anastasia Belova is nominated for Dowry at Mossovet Theatre, and Vasilisa Perelygina is recognized for Hamlet in Moscow at Bronnaya Theatre.
The winners are slated to be announced on March 27. Each prize includes the Swimmer figurine and a one-year opportunity to use the New Stage venue, supporting artists in their ongoing careers.
Konstantin Khabensky, former artistic director of the Chekhov Moscow Art Theater, stated that the new award is intended to identify and encourage emerging talent across the theatre and related arts. The discussion highlights an ongoing commitment to fostering young performers within Russia’s vibrant performing arts ecosystem. At the same time, the event draws attention from international audiences who follow contemporary stagecraft and literary achievement connected to Chekhov’s legacy.