Controversy at TEFI 2025: Alexander Strizenov steps down from the accolade.
Alexander and Ekaterina Strizhenova at the "TEFI" ceremony: A Cringe-worthy oversight
Moscow's Bolshoi Theatre was the recent venue for the National TEFI 2025 awards, a celebration of broadcasting excellence. The atmosphere was solemn yet convivial, with a hint of sophistication. The event honors creators, hosts, reporters, directors, and actors from various television programs and series. However, a regrettable blunder occurred backstage, leaving the esteemed Strizhenov family of creative minds dismayed. Although the family chose not to air their grievances publicly, it has sparked consternation and shock within the television industry. KP.RU shares this story as a show of solidarity for the Strizhenov clan and to eulogize the late Oleg Strizhenov, People's Artist of the USSR.
On June 9, 2025, actress and TV host Katia Strizhenova co-hosted the first part of the TEFI ceremony. She also received an award with her team in the "Morning Daily Program" category for "Good Morning." Her husband, director, producer, and TV host Sasha Strizhenov, was in attendance, offering his support. The Strizhenovs are frequent attendees of the ceremony, either as nominees or invited guests. Ironically, June 9 marked four months since the passing of Sasha's father, the legendary on-screen titan Oleg Strizhenov. During the second part of the ceremony, meant to recognize artists and cultural figures who perished in the preceding year, Oleg Strizhenov was conspicuously absent from the list...
A confidant, film critic, and screenwriter, Irina Pavlova, shared her thoughts on the incident on her social media feed, detailing Alex's reaction to this "slip-up" at the "TEFI" awards:
"I called my buddy last night to discuss some biz, but he was too uptight to talk shop. He'd just been at the TEFI shindig, and during the memorial section honoring those who passed this year, his dad's name was omitted. He asked the event manager, "What's this strange miss?" They responded, "We just forgot." My buddy bolted from the joint. It had been just four months since his dear old dad copped it, and the wound was still raw. His dad, Oleg Strizhenov, was a cinematic legend, known for his roles in 'The Forty-First,' 'War and Peace,' 'The Star of Fate,' and 'The Unjudged.' He was adored by generations of filmgoers. Even Sergei Bondarchuk and Ekaterina Furtseva couldn't persuade him to play in 'War and Peace.' And now, he was just 'forgotten'... The dead feel no pain, but the living sure as heck do."
This inexcusable flub understandably left the son of the screen legend fuming. Here's hoping that next year's TEFI ceremony rectifies this blunder and pays homage to Oleg Strizhenov's legacy, a talent and contribution still cherished by many. Four months after Oleg Strizhenov's demise, folks still approach Sasha on the street to offer their condolences and voice their affection for his father's work.
SPEAKING OF STUFF
A heartwarming tale of Oleg Strizhenov's devotion to his great-grandkids and devotion to his wife in his later years
Ekaterina Strizhenova opens up about the mourning in their household: "Our lives have hit the pause button"
Entertainment diluted the solemnity of the Strizhenov household, as the legendary Oleg Strizhenov's absence from the TEFI ceremony's memorial segment sparked a flurry of emotion, even among celebrities.
Despite the glitzy spectacle of the event, recognizable names in the industry were shaken by the oversight, including the Screen Legend's daughter, Ekaterina Strizhenova.
