Czech film Critics Awards 2025: A Celebration of Cinematic Excellence
The Czech Film Critics Association recently honored the best in Czech cinema at the 15th annual Czech Film critics Awards, held in Prague’s Archa+ venue. The gala evening celebrated six films and one series, with Viktor Tauš’s America emerging as the standout winner, securing three out of its five nominations, including Best Film.
America: A Triumph of Storytelling
America,directed by Viktor Tauš,tells the poignant story of a girl growing up in a children’s home during Communist Czechoslovakia. The film, inspired by Tauš’s personal memories, has already garnered 13 nominations for the prestigious Czech lion awards.At the Critics Awards, it took home the top prize for Best Film, along with accolades for Best Director (Tauš) and Best Audiovisual Act (Jan Kadlec).
“The film is a deeply personal journey, blending raw emotion with cinematic brilliance,” saeid one critic. Its success at the awards underscores its impact on both audiences and critics alike.
Year of Widow: A Stellar Debut
Veronika Lišková’s feature-length debut, Year of Widow, also made waves, winning two awards. Pavla Beretová was named Best Actress for her compelling portrayal,while Eugen Liška received the Best Screenplay award.The film, a gripping drama, has been praised for its nuanced storytelling and powerful performances.
Documentaries and Short Films Shine
The Best Documentary award went to Klára Tasovska’s I’m Not Yet who I Want to Be, a dynamic portrait of photographer Libuše jarcovjáková. Meanwhile, Jan Saska’s animated short film Hurricane, a black-and-white romance, won in the Best Short Film category.
Outstanding Performances and Discoveries
Oldřich Kaiser was named Best Actor for his role in The Gardener’s Year, a film inspired by Karel Čapek’s feuilletons. The Innogy Award for Discovery of the year went to Martin Pavol Repka for his family drama From March to May.
Beyond Cinema: Method Markovič: Hojer
In the category outside cinema,the crime series Method Markovič: Hojer from the VOYO streaming platform took the prize. The series, starring Petr Lněnička, dramatizes the life and unique professional approach of detective Jiří Markovič.
Winners at a Glance
| Category | Winner | Film/Series |
|—————————-|—————————————–|————————————-|
| Best Film | viktor Tauš | America |
| Best Documentary | Klára Tasovska | I’m Not Yet Who I Want to Be |
| Best Director | Viktor Tauš | America |
| Best Screenplay | Eugen Liška | Year of Widow |
| Best Actor | Oldřich Kaiser | The Gardener’s Year |
| Best actress | Pavla Beretová | Year of Widow |
| Best Audiovisual Act | Jan Kadlec | America |
| Discovery of the Year | Martin Pavol Repka | From March to May |
| Outside Cinema | Pavel Soukup, Jaroslav Hruška | Method Markovič: hojer |
| Best Short Film | Jan Saska | Hurricane |
A night to Remember
The 2025 Czech Film Critics Awards not only celebrated the best of Czech cinema but also highlighted the diversity and creativity of its filmmakers. From powerful dramas to innovative documentaries, the event showcased the richness of the country’s cinematic landscape.
For those who missed the ceremony, the full event can be viewed retroactively on the Ivys broadcast platform.
As the curtain falls on this year’s awards, the spotlight now turns to the upcoming czech Lion ceremony, where America and other nominees will vie for further recognition. Stay tuned for more updates on the ever-evolving world of Czech cinema.
Exploring the Life and Art of Libuše Jarcovjáková
Editor: Libuše Jarcovjáková’s work has often been compared to that of Nan Goldin. Can you elaborate on these parallels?
Guest: Absolutely. Libuše Jarcovjáková and Nan Goldin share several striking similarities in their artistic journeys. Both received formal education in art, yet they both rejected the customary canon and were, in turn, rejected by it. Their work is less focused on technical perfection and more on capturing raw emotions, social interactions, and the vibrancy of life, whether it’s at parties or in personal relationships.This shared focus on authenticity and emotional depth is what makes their work so compelling and relatable.
Editor: Her series Night Shift seems to mark a pivotal moment in her life. What can you tell us about that?
guest: Night Shift is indeed a engaging chapter in her life. At just 19 years old, Jarcovjáková left the safety of school to work the night shift at a factory.This period, documented in her photography, was transformative. she found herself drawn to the environment, forming bonds with her co-workers and immersing herself in the nocturnal world. Her work from this time reflects her ability to find beauty and meaning in the mundane, capturing the essence of that experience with honesty and intimacy [[2]].
Editor: Another notable series of hers is Killer Summer. How does this work reflect her style and themes?
Guest: Killer Summer is a vivid portrayal of a tumultuous summer in her life. The series,created between June and september 1984,is filled with chaotic energy—love polygons,red wine for breakfast,and nights spent wandering barefoot. It’s a raw depiction of youth, confusion, and the search for identity. Jarcovjáková’s ability to document her life with such unfiltered honesty is what makes her work so powerful. This series, like much of her photography, is a testament to her skill in turning personal chaos into art [[3]].
Conclusion
Libuše jarcovjáková’s body of work is a testament to the power of photography to capture the essence of life, with all its complexities and contradictions. By focusing on authenticity and emotional depth, she has created a legacy that continues to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide.