Russia set to launch alternative to Golden Globes

Russia is set to launch its own alternative to the Golden Globes, the Open National Press Awards.

The new awards, which will be run by local rather than foreign press, aim to strengthen the role of Russian film critics.

“Russian journalists [have] a considerable input in popularising contemporary national cinema, and their critical evaluation contributes to increasing quality and competitiveness of our cinema,” said first deputy chairman of Russia’s filmmakers’ union Oleg Ivanov, when unveiling plans for the awards yesterday.

2016, named “The Year of Cinema” in Russia, with extra financing to be allocated to the film sector from the state budget, will see the first awards handed out. Although no official date for the ceremony has been announced yet, it is likely that it will take place in March, according to speculation. Awards categories are likely to include “Best feature” and “Best director”, along with “Best foreign film”, although these have not been officially revealed.

This development echoes a broader trend in Russia regarding the launch of alternatives to major international film awards and festivals. In December 2015, film director and head of the Russian Cinematographers’ Union Nikita Mikhalkov called for the creation of a Eurasian alternative to the Oscars, while the Russian National Film Foundation, Gosfilmofond, announced plans in September 2015 to launch an international film festival in the French city of Nice as an alternative to the Cannes Film Festival.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter