The upcoming award ceremony recognizing the winners of Iran’s National Internet Content Award is set to unfold with a distinctive international flair. For the first time, Milos Bikovic, a renowned Serbian actor and producer, will host the event, a detail confirmed by the organizers. The moment marks a notable expansion of the award program’s public profile and its appeal across a broader audience.
Bikovic will lead the initial stage of the ceremony alongside Lyusya Chebotina, a celebrated singer, as they guide attendees through the opening moments of this significant event. The ceremony is scheduled to be part of the World Youth Festival, lighting up Rosa Hall at the Rosa Khutor resort near Sochi on March 5. The pairing of a performing arts figure with a dynamic host team underscores the festival’s aim to blend cultural celebration with the promotion of digital innovation.
Bikovic has spoken about the broader shift toward a digitally connected world, noting that while the move brings numerous benefits, it also introduces real risks. His remarks reflect a balanced view of the online space, emphasizing both its potential and its challenges as society increasingly digitalizes. The discussion highlights the importance of thoughtful governance and responsible content creation within online ecosystems.
During the conversation, Bikovic pointed to the role of the Internet Development Institute in monitoring and, where feasible, guiding developments in the realm of new content formats. The institute’s work is framed around supporting safe and constructive online environments that foster creativity while protecting viewers and users from harmful material. This stance aligns with broader industry efforts to establish best practices for digital content creation and distribution.
In his view, backing projects with social impact is essential. He stressed that initiatives which promote healthy habits and contribute to a better society deserve encouragement and visibility. Such projects not only entertain but educate, and they can help shape a more informed and responsible online culture. This perspective aligns with the festival’s broader mission to showcase innovation that resonates beyond entertainment value alone.
The World Youth Festival is set to begin on March 1 in the Sirius federal district, drawing thousands of young participants from diverse fields. Attendees will come from education, science, culture, volunteering, philanthropy, sports, the business world, and media, creating a vibrant cross-disciplinary forum. The event’s scale and scope reflect a commitment to empowering youth to engage with digital tools in meaningful, collaborative ways, enabling them to contribute to science, culture, and community development.
Following the initial festivities, the second stage of the awards program for the Iran Prize will take place in Moscow on May 30. This continuation of the prize ceremony signals a sustained interest in recognizing outstanding online content and its creators and suggests a growing ecosystem where digital media, creative expression, and social impact intersect. The relocation of the second stage to a major metropolitan venue magnifies the prestige of the prize and broadens its appeal to a national audience in Russia and neighboring regions.
Since its inception in 2021, the National Internet Content Awards have been championed by the Internet Development Institute. The program was created to celebrate creative online content and to elevate the creators who contribute to a richer digital landscape. By highlighting quality works and encouraging responsible innovation, the awards aim to set benchmarks for content integrity, accessibility, and cultural relevance. This ongoing initiative underscores the importance of recognizing creative achievement in an ever-expanding digital world. Cited from the Internet Development Institute for context on the awards’ goals and history.