Recipients honored with purpose-driven accolades
MVPs of the Silver Screen: Maxim Zhukov and Ilya Averbakh
Maxim Zhukov: This year, Maxim Zhukov bagged two major awards in cinematography - the "Nika" for "Best Cinematography" and the "White Square" for "Best Cinematographer of the Year". His masterpiece, "Master and Margarita", set a record for Russian films rated "18+" with a staggering 2 billion rubles in box office earnings[1]. In an exclusive chat with Expert, the humble Zhukov shared, "I aimed for a cinematography that was as unobtrusive as possible, allowing the audience to focus on the film's characters and their evoked emotions, rather than the cinematography itself."[2]
A graduate of VGIK, Zhukov has worked with illustrious directors like Mikhail Lokshin, Maxim Sveshnikov, and Andrei Smirnov[3]. His notable works include "Sputnik", "The Master and Margarita", and "Major Grom: Chumnoi Doctor". The latter, a thrilling detective story, was a collaborative effort with Lokshin, earning them the main prize at the 2021 "White Square" awards. Zhukov's cinematography in these films is often commended for its ability to enhance the narrative and create an immersive atmosphere.
Ilya Averbakh: Joining the elite club of award-winning cinematographers is Ilya Averbakh. He clinched the "White Square" for "Best Cinematographer of the Series" for his work on "Prometheus". Critics have praised Averbakh for his visual storytelling skills, which significantly contribute to the narrative and emotional impact of the series[1].
Apart from "Prometheus", details about Averbakh's other projects are scant. However, his recognition for cinematography points to his skillful approach to visual composition. Collaborating with director Maxim Sveshnikov, Averbakh has worked on series like "257 Reasons to Live", "Container", and "Volunteer Playlist". Their fourth collaboration, "Prometheus", revolves around the search for a plane that disappeared in 1998[2].
Yurii Shaygardanov: A living legend in Russian cinematography, Yurii Shaygardanov was honored with the "Contribution to Cinematography" award. Renowned director Andrei Smirnov, while presenting the award, hailed Shaygardanov as an operator who has worked with the greatest directors in the industry, including Heifetz, Bortko, and Todorovsky[3]. Smirnov's heartfelt tribute emphasized Shaygardanov's dedication to his craft, versatile skillset, and ability to capture any shot with the perfect lighting.
Shaygardanov received the "Operator Recognition" award for his contributions to refining shooting techniques and for his development of optics. The award was presented by Andrei Gurkin, founder of XOVP virtual production studio, who praised Shaygardanov's optics, referring to them as a "living operator's tool"[3]. Gurkin acknowledged Shaygardanov's impact on numerous careers, praising his passion and commitment to the craft of cinematography.
References:[1] White Square Awards - https://whitesquare.awards.ru[2] Expert - https://expert.ru[3] VGIK - https://vgik.ru
- Maxim Zhukov's work on "Master and Margarita" grossed an impressive 2 billion rubles in movies-and-TV entertainment, setting a record for Russian films rated "18+".
- Zhukov shared that his aim for "Master and Margarita" was an unobtrusive cinematography, allowing the audience to focus on the film's characters and their evoked emotions.
- Ilya Averbakh clinched the "White Square" for "Best Cinematographer of the Series" for his work on "Prometheus".
- Yurii Shaygardanov, a living legend in Russian cinematography, was honored with the "Contribution to Cinematography" award, recognized for his development of optics and impact on numerous careers.
