Film critics named Sokurov’s “Fairy Tale” the best film of 2023

The National Award for Film Scholars, Film Critics and Film Journalists “White Elephant” is awarded without a festive ceremony

The winners of the National Award for film experts, film critics and film journalists “White Elephant” for 2023 have been announced. The best film was the innovative film “Fairy Tale” by Alexander Sokurov.

A year ago, the award’s expert council decided not to hold any ceremonies and refuse to vote. This is not the time to celebrate. However, after a pause and some debate this year, they finally decided to name the best films shot in 2023 and give them an expert assessment, which is always important. But they abandoned the ceremony, limiting themselves to announcing the list of laureates.

The White Elephant Award is independent. They are no longer associated with the Union of Cinematographers under the leadership of Mikhalkov, where independent awards are presented on behalf of the Guild of Film Scholars and Film Critics, despite the fact that most of it participates in voting only for the White Elephant.

59 people from the expert council and new recruits, young critics and film journalists actively working in a variety of publications took part in the current voting.

Here is a list of White Elephant award winners:

Best Fiction Film

“Fairy Tale”, director Alexander Sokurov

Best TV series

“The boy’s word. Blood on the asphalt,” directed by Zhora Kryzhovnikov

Best Animated Film

“Kharms”, director Svetlana Andrianova

Best Non-Fiction Film

“Suggested Circumstances”, director Nikita Efimov

Best Director

Rezo Gigineishvili, “Patient No. 1”

Best Screenplay

Natalia Meshchaninova, “One Little Night Secret”

Best Cinematography

Alisher Khamidkhodjaev, “Bullfinch”

Best Artist’s Work

Alexey Maksimov, “New Berlin”

The best music

Shortparis, “Anna’s Feelings”

Mikhail Mestetsky, Kirill Belorussov, “Year of Birth”

Best Leading Actor

Alexander Filippenko, “Patient No. 1”

Best Leading Actress

Anna Mikhalkova, “Anna’s Feelings”

Daria Savelyeva, “Hello, Mom”

Best Supporting Actor

Alexander Robak, “Bullfinch”

Best Supporting Actress

Inna Churikova, “Patient No. 1”

Best Feature Debut

“Vacation”, director Anna Kuznetsova