Nominees for the 2026 Oleksandr Dovzhenko State Prize of Ukraine
The committee overseeing the Oleksandr Dovzhenko State Prize of Ukraine has released the list of candidates for the 2026 award. This roster highlights works by Ukrainian artists who have made significant contributions to the nation's cultural landscape. Among the nominees is Taras Tomenko, recognized for his documentary 'Sentimental Journey to the Planet of Parajanov.' Additionally, a creative team led by Anna Palenchuk, Daria Onyshchenko, Tetiana Filevska, Maria Kael, and Vitalii Azhnov has been nominated for the feature-length fiction film 'Malevych.'
Other Nominated Works
Director Oleksandr Zhovna has also been put forward for his film 'Sashenka,' while Yurii Dunai, alongside screenwriter Solomiia Tomashchuk, earned a nomination for the feature-length fiction film 'Tired.' Another collective, comprising Olha Zhurba, Volodymyr Usyk, Viacheslav Tsvietkov, Mykhailo Liubarskyi, and Yaroslav Tatarchenko, received a nod for the documentary 'Songs of a Slowly Burning Land.' Adelina Borets, Hlib Lukianets, and Nataliia Hzhehozhek were likewise nominated for their documentary 'Flowers of Ukraine.'
Ukraine has launched a comprehensive cultural support program called 'Thousand Springs,' an initiative originating from the country's president. Through this program, a competitive selection process is underway, with the most expensive project application reaching 438.45 million hryvnias. This particular bid came from a debut author, signaling a vibrant surge in cultural development across Ukraine.
This list of candidates for the Oleksandr Dovzhenko State Prize underscores the importance of advancing Ukrainian culture and the arts, especially amid today's challenges. - Source: State Prize Committee
The nominated works reflect a wide range of creative approaches and themes relevant to Ukrainian society. The 'Thousand Springs' program represents a major step in supporting artists and fostering cultural projects, which can help strengthen Ukraine's cultural identity and enhance its international reputation.
As Ukraine embraces the 'Thousand Springs' initiative, it's worth noting that President Zelenskyy has made this program an annual event, resulting in a remarkable influx of over 2,600 cultural project applications. This surge not only reflects the growing interest in cultural development but also highlights the ongoing commitment to supporting the arts in Ukraine. For more insights into this significant cultural movement, you can read about the annual initiative here.