Actor Ivan Yankovsky stepped into a broader conversation about respect across generations in cinema, saying that deference to the older generation is not a given. The remark was reported by kp.ru, but the essence rests on Yankovsky’s view that the decision to honor past artists lies with the living, not with external pressures.
He emphasized that in the acting world, it is up to the veteran stars of Soviet cinema to set the tone for what constitutes respect and recognition. God, in his view, is the ultimate judge of a person’s legacy and behavior within the film community.
Yankovsky also addressed the tendency to compare younger actors with their predecessors. He argued that while comparisons can be made, they should not be used to place one generation in the same category as another. He believes that the masters who shaped the industry deserve a distinct standing, and current performers are simply focused on doing their jobs well.
It was suggested that such comparisons are often misguided. He said that it may be possible to draw parallels, but it is not a necessity. The cinema of yesterday produced self-sufficient masters, and today’s talents should be evaluated on their own terms rather than measured against a legendary standard. The actor described attempting to work with honesty and dedication, and he warned against reducing the craft to a competition of who is more authentic or prestigious.
Earlier in the year, Nikita Kologrivy sparked a heated debate by criticizing unseasoned actors, including Sasha Bortich. The discussion grew tense when he publicly questioned Danila Kozlovsky’s acting prowess, calling him a “fake artist” and expressing a critical view of the performers from The Boy’s Word. He also voiced disapproval of the legacies of Soviet actors Innokenty Smoktunovsky and Alexander Abdulov, challenging the reverence traditionally afforded to them.
In contrast, Kologrivy also praised several Soviet-era actors for their lasting contributions. He spoke warmly of Oleg Dal, Nikolai Karachentsov, Ivan Bortnik, Valery Zolotukhin, and Vasily Shukshin, suggesting that their work remains a benchmark for what great acting looks like. The broader conversation thus traverses admiration, criticism, and the evolving standards of skill and authenticity in Russian screen arts.
Meanwhile, public figures such as Leonid Yarmolnik have weighed in on the discourse. Yarmolnik previously labeled a star from The Boy’s Word as a fool, highlighting how opinions about contemporary performers can become provocative talking points within the industry. The cycle of praise and backlash reflects a dynamic media environment where reputations can hinge on sharp, sometimes controversial, statements that resonate with audiences and fuel ongoing debates about talent, tradition, and merit in cinema. Source: kp.ru