Karen Shakhnazarov

Karen Shakhnazarov's greatest accolade may be his enduring influence on Russian cinema. As the head of Mosfilm, he has preserved the legacy of Soviet filmmaking while also championing new work. His directorial achievements, from the popular We Are From Jazz to the provocative The Assassin of the Tsar, demonstrate a rare versatility. He has received state honors in Russia, including the title of People's Artist of the Russian Federation, a mark of his contribution to the nation's culture.