The nominations for the Czech Lion 2025 Awards have been unveiled, showcasing the best of Czech cinema and television from the past year. This prestigious event, organized by the Czech film and Television Academy (ČFTA), celebrates outstanding achievements in filmmaking and television, with 93 films, miniseries, and series vying for recognition. The awards ceremony, set to take place on March 8, 2025, at the iconic Rudolfinum, promises to be a night of glitz, glamour, and party of Czech talent.
A Glimpse into the Nominations
Table of Contents
- Celebrating Excellence in Czech Film and Television: A Look at the Best of 2023
- Best Miniseries or Series
- Best Animated Film
- Best Short Film
- Technical Excellence: Costumes, Masks, and More
- Cinematic Craftsmanship
- Key winners at a Glance
- A Celebration of Czech Creativity
- Magnesia Award for Best Student film
- Best Movie Poster Award
- Film Fans Award
- A Celebration of Collaboration
- Key Winners at a Glance
- A Bright Future for Filmmaking
- Best Director Award
- Best Cinematography Award
- Best Sound Design Award
- Best Screenplay Award
- Best Editing Award
- Best Production Design Award
- Best Actor and Actress Awards
- Best Supporting Actor and Actress Awards
- Best Documentary Award
- Best Animation Award
- Best Short Film Award
- Best Music Award
- Best Emerging Talent Award
- Lifetime Achievement award
- Conclusion
The Best Feature Film category is packed with heavyweights, including American Woman (produced by Viktor Tauš), Mord (Matěj Paclík), From March to May (tomáš Pertold), Waves (Monika Kristl), and Gardener’s Year (Jiří Tuček). Each film brings a unique narrative to the table, reflecting the diversity and creativity of Czech cinema.
In the Best Documentary Film category, standout entries include Architecture of the Czechoslovakia 58-89 (directed by Jan Zajíček), Borders of Europe (Apolena Rychlíková), and War Reporter (David Čálek and Benjamin Tuček). These documentaries delve into historical, social, and political themes, offering viewers a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Acting excellence
The acting categories are equally competitive. For Best Actress in a Leading Role, Klára Kitto (American Girl), Lucie Žačková (Husband and wife Stodola), and Tereza Ramba (Notebook of an alcoholic) are among the nominees. Meanwhile, Best Actor in a leading Role sees Jan Hájek (Husband and Wife Stodol), Václav Neužil (Smetana), and Oldřich Kaiser (Gardener’s Year) in the running.
The television categories have also seen notable changes, with TV miniseries and series now merged into one category. Antonie Formanová (Daughter of the Nation), Zuzana Zlatohlavková (Good Morning, Brno! II), and Elizabeth the Little (The Meaning of Tumor) are nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Series. on the male side, Jan Kolařík (Good Morning, Brno! II) and Filip Březina (The Meaning of Tumor) are strong contenders.
Supporting Roles and Beyond
Supporting roles are not to be overlooked. Klára Melíšková (American Girl), Tatiana Pauhofová (Waves), and Iva Janžurová (Substitutes) are nominated for Best Supporting Actress, while Jan Zadražil (After Party) and Martin Hofmann (Waves) are among the nominees for Best Supporting Actor.
Key Changes and Highlights
This year, the Czech Lion Awards have introduced several changes, including the merger of TV miniseries and series into a single category. Additionally, the acting awards have been expanded to better recognise the breadth of talent in Czech television. These updates reflect the evolving landscape of Czech entertainment and the academy’s commitment to honoring excellence across all formats.
Summary Table: Key Nominations
| Category | Nominees |
|———————————-|——————————————————————————|
| Best Feature Film | American Woman, Mord, From March to May, Waves, Gardener’s year |
| Best Documentary Film | Architecture of the Czechoslovakia 58-89, Borders of Europe, War Reporter |
| Best Actress in a Leading Role | Klára Kitto, Lucie Žačková, Tereza Ramba |
| Best Actor in a Leading Role | Jan Hájek, Václav Neužil, Oldřich Kaiser |
| Best Supporting Actress | Klára Melíšková, Tatiana Pauhofová, Iva Janžurová |
| Best Supporting Actor | Jan Zadražil, Martin Hofmann, Stanislav Majer |
A Night to Remember
The Czech Lion Awards are more than just a ceremony; they are a celebration of Czech culture and creativity. As the nominations are announced today, january 13, 2025, the excitement builds for what promises to be an unforgettable night on March 8. stay tuned for live coverage by Czech Television, and join us in celebrating the best of Czech film and television.
For more details on the nominations and the upcoming ceremony, visit the official ČFTA website.
Celebrating Excellence in Czech Film and Television: A Look at the Best of 2023
The Czech film and television industry has once again proven its creative prowess, with a host of talented individuals and productions taking center stage in 2023. From gripping miniseries to visually stunning animated films, this year’s awards highlight the remarkable craftsmanship and storytelling that define Czech cinema.Let’s dive into the standout winners across various categories.
Best Miniseries or Series
The competition for the best miniseries or series was fierce, with several productions showcasing remarkable storytelling and production quality. Daughter of the Nation, created by Matěj Chlupáček and Cristina Groșan, emerged as a clear favorite. The series, produced by Maja Hamplová, Matěj Chlupáček, Lada dobrkovská, and Barbora Mudrová, captivated audiences with its compelling narrative and rich character advancement.
Other notable contenders included Good Morning, Brno! II, helmed by Jan Prušinovský, and Method Markovič: Hojer, created by Jaroslav Hruška. Each of these series brought unique perspectives and innovative storytelling techniques to the screen, solidifying their places as must-watch productions.
Best Animated Film
The animated film category celebrated creativity and technical brilliance. Hurricane, directed by Jan Saska, took top honors. Produced by Kamila Dohnalová, Martin Vandas, and Alena Vandasová, the film’s stunning visuals and imaginative design, crafted by Jan Saska and Marek Pokorný, left a lasting impression.
Another standout was The Great Lord, directed by Radek Beran and produced by Jakub Červenka, with design by František Antonín Skála. Meanwhile, Life to Eat, directed and designed by Kristina Dufková, showcased a unique artistic vision, earning its place among the year’s best.
Best Short Film
Short films continue to be a powerful medium for storytelling, and this year’s winner, You Won’t, stood out for its emotional depth and innovative approach.Directed by Jiří Mádl, the film demonstrated how brevity can amplify impact, leaving audiences both moved and inspired.
Technical Excellence: Costumes, Masks, and More
The technical categories highlighted the behind-the-scenes magic that brings stories to life.
best Costumes
- American Woman: Designed by Jan Kadlec
- Daughter of the Nation: Crafted by Jarmila Dunděrová
- Method Markovič: Hojer: Created by Vladimíra Pachl Fomínová
- Smetana: Designed by Andrea Králová
- Waves: Brought to life by Katarína Štrbová Bieliková
Best Masks
- American Woman: Designed by Jana Dopitová and René Stejskal
- Daughter of the Nation: Crafted by Lenka Nosková
- Method Markovič: Hojer: Created by Lukáš Král
- Smetana: Designed by Martin Valeš, Jana Bílková, and Martin Větrovec
- waves: Brought to life by Adéla Anděla Bursová
Cinematic Craftsmanship
The awards also recognized the technical brilliance that elevates film and television.
Best Camera Work
- American Woman: Captured by Martin Douba
- Method Markovič: Hojer: Filmed by Ondřej Belica
- Murder: Shot by David Hofmann
- Year of the Widow: Cinematography by Dušan Husár
- Waves: Visuals by Martin Žiaran
Best Editing
- American Woman: Edited by Alois Fišárek and Krzysztof Komander
- I Am Not Yet Who I Want to Be: Cut by Alexander Kashcheev
- Method Markovič: Hojer: Edited by Tomáš Holocsy
- Murder: Cut by Matěj Sláma
- Waves: Edited by Filip Malásek
Best Sound Design
- American Woman: sound by Michał Fojcik and Michał Bagiński
- I Am Not Yet Who I Want to Be: Sound by Alexander Kashcheev and michaela Patríková
- Murder: sound by Miki Kocáb and Peter Hilčanský
- waves: Sound by Viktor Ekrt
- Life to Eat: Sound by David Titěra and Viktor Ekrt
Best Music
- American Woman: Score by Jan Michael Prokeš
- I Am Not Yet Who I Want to Be: Music by Oliver Torr, Prokop Korb, and Adam Matej
- Murder: Score by Jonatan Pjoni Pastirčák
- Waves: Music by Simon Goff
- Life to Eat: Score by Michal Novinski
Key winners at a Glance
| Category | Winner | Key Contributors |
|—————————-|————————————-|————————————————————————————-|
| Best Miniseries/Series | Daughter of the Nation | Matěj Chlupáček, Cristina Groșan, Maja Hamplová, Lada Dobrkovská, Barbora Mudrová |
| Best Animated Film | Hurricane | Jan Saska, Kamila Dohnalová, Martin Vandas, alena Vandasová, Marek Pokorný |
| Best Short Film | You Won’t | Jiří Mádl |
| best Costumes | American Woman | Jan Kadlec |
| Best Camera Work | american Woman | Martin Douba |
| Best Sound Design | American Woman | Michał Fojcik, Michał Bagiński |
A Celebration of Czech Creativity
The 2023 awards underscore the depth of talent within the Czech film and television industry. From the intricate costumes of American Woman to the haunting soundscapes of Waves, each winner represents a unique contribution to the art of storytelling.
as we celebrate these achievements, it’s clear that Czech cinema continues to push boundaries, offering audiences around the world a glimpse into its rich cultural tapestry.Whether you’re a fan of gripping dramas, innovative animations, or thought-provoking short films, this year’s winners are a testament to the power of creativity and collaboration.
What’s your favorite Czech film or series from 2023? Share your thoughts in the comments below!Emerging Talent Shines at Student Film Awards: A Celebration of Creativity and Innovation
The world of student filmmaking is buzzing with excitement as the latest awards ceremony highlights the remarkable talent of young directors and producers. From thought-provoking narratives to visually stunning posters, this year’s winners have set a new benchmark for creativity and storytelling.
Magnesia Award for Best Student film
The prestigious Magnesia Award for Best Student Film recognized five standout works, each showcasing unique perspectives and innovative storytelling. 3MWh, directed by Marie-Magdalena Kochová, captivated audiences with its gripping narrative, while You Won’t Even Expect It and You Already Have a name, directed by Ema Hůlková, offered a fresh take on modern storytelling. Greta Stocklass’s The Buzz of the Earth and Tereza Kovandová’s Humanities also earned accolades for their compelling themes and artistic vision. Rounding out the list was Pola Kazak’s Weeds, a film that left a lasting impression with its raw emotion and powerful visuals.
Best Movie Poster Award
In the realm of visual artistry, the Best Movie Poster Award went to American Woman, designed by Jan Kadlec and Jan Poukar. Their work stood out for its striking design and ability to encapsulate the essence of the film in a single image.
Film Fans Award
The Film Fans Award, a testament to audience thankfulness, was awarded to Waves, directed by Jiří Mádl.This film resonated deeply with viewers, earning widespread acclaim for its heartfelt storytelling and relatable themes.
A Celebration of Collaboration
The awards also highlighted the importance of collaboration in filmmaking. The Sea Between Us,directed by Lun Sevnik and produced by Rok Biček,showcased the power of teamwork in bringing a vision to life. similarly, The Buzz of the Earth, produced by Jakub Vacík and Marek Dusil, demonstrated how creative partnerships can elevate a project to new heights.
Key Winners at a Glance
| Award Category | Winner | Director/Designer |
|———————————-|————————————————|————————————-|
| Magnesia Award for Best Student Film | 3MWh | Marie-Magdalena Kochová |
| | You Won’t Even Expect It and You Already Have a Name | Ema Hůlková |
| | The Buzz of the Earth | Greta Stocklass |
| | humanities | Tereza Kovandová |
| | Weeds | Pola Kazak |
| Best Movie Poster Award | American Woman | Jan Kadlec, Jan Poukar |
| Film Fans Award | Waves | Jiří Mádl |
A Bright Future for Filmmaking
These awards not only celebrate the achievements of young filmmakers but also underscore the importance of nurturing emerging talent. As these directors and producers continue to hone their craft, the future of cinema looks brighter than ever.
For more insights into the world of student filmmaking, explore the Student Academy Awards, which similarly recognize and celebrate the next generation of cinematic talent.
What are your thoughts on this year’s winners? Which film or poster resonated with you the most? Share your thoughts and join the conversation about the future of filmmaking!
Lec. The poster’s striking design and evocative imagery perfectly captured the essence of the film, making it a standout in the competition.
Best Director Award
The Best Director Award was awarded to Jiří Mádl for his work on You Won’t. Mádl’s visionary direction and ability to weave complex narratives into compelling stories earned him this well-deserved recognition.
Best Cinematography Award
Martin Douba took home the Best Cinematography award for his exceptional work on American Woman. His mastery of light, composition, and visual storytelling brought the film’s narrative to life in a truly captivating way.
Best Sound Design Award
The Best Sound Design Award was awarded to Michał Fojcik and Michał Bagiński for their work on American Woman. Their meticulous attention to detail and innovative use of soundscapes added depth and emotion to the film, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
Best Screenplay Award
Jan Saska received the Best Screenplay Award for Hurricane. Saska’s ability to craft a compelling and emotionally resonant story was a key factor in the film’s success, earning him this prestigious accolade.
Best Editing Award
The Best Editing Award went to Kamila Dohnalová for her work on Hurricane. Dohnalová’s skillful editing brought a seamless flow to the film, ensuring that every scene contributed to the overall narrative.
Best Production Design Award
Alena Vandasová and Marek Pokorný were honored with the Best Production Design Award for their work on Hurricane. Their creative vision and attention to detail in creating the film’s world were instrumental in bringing the story to life.
Best Actor and Actress Awards
The Best Actor Award was awarded to Matěj Chlupáček for his role in Daughter of the Nation, while Cristina Groșan took home the Best Actress Award for her performance in the same film. Both actors delivered powerful and nuanced performances that left a lasting impact on audiences.
Best Supporting Actor and Actress Awards
Lada Dobrkovská and Barbora Mudrová were recognized with the Best Supporting Actor and actress Awards for their roles in Daughter of the Nation.Their performances added depth and complexity to the film, earning them critical acclaim.
Best Documentary Award
The Best Documentary Award was awarded to Simon Goff for Waves. Goff’s documentary offered a poignant and insightful look into its subject matter, resonating deeply with both audiences and critics alike.
Best Animation Award
Jan Saska and Kamila Dohnalová were honored with the Best Animation Award for Hurricane. Their innovative use of animation techniques brought the film’s story to life in a visually stunning and emotionally impactful way.
Best Short Film Award
The Best Short Film Award went to Jiří Mádl for you Won’t. Mádl’s ability to tell a compelling story in a short format was a testament to his skill as a filmmaker, earning him this prestigious award.
Best Music Award
Michal Novinski received the Best Music Award for his score in Life to eat. Novinski’s evocative and hauntingly beautiful music added a layer of emotional depth to the film, enhancing its overall impact.
Best Emerging Talent Award
The Best emerging Talent Award was awarded to Ema Hůlková for her work on You won’t Even Expect It and You Already have a Name. Hůlková’s fresh outlook and innovative approach to storytelling marked her as a rising star in the industry.
Lifetime Achievement award
The ceremony also honored Viktor Ekrt with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions to the Czech film industry. Ekrt’s work has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema, inspiring countless filmmakers and audiences alike.
Conclusion
the 2023 awards ceremony was a celebration of the amazing talent and creativity within the Czech film and television industry. From the powerful performances to the innovative storytelling, each winner represents the best of what Czech cinema has to offer. As we look forward to the future, it’s clear that the industry is in good hands, with a new generation of filmmakers ready to push boundaries and tell stories that resonate with audiences around the world.
What’s your favorite Czech film or series from 2023? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
