Latvia’s National Film Awards: A Look at the Lielais Kristaps

The Lielais Kristaps (Big Christopher) awards are Latvia’s most prestigious national film awards, recognizing excellence in Latvian cinema. The awards ceremony, and the legend behind its name, hold a significant place in Latvian culture and film history.

The Legend of Saint Christopher

The name “Lielais Kristaps” originates from the legend of Saint Christopher, a giant ferryman who, according to folklore, carried Baby Jesus across the Daugava River. He is said to have discovered gold whereas doing so, which contributed to the building of Riga [3].

2025 Awards Ceremony Highlights

The 2025 Lielais Kristaps ceremony, held on February 4th, 2025, saw significant wins for two films: “Straume” (Stream) and “Marijas klusums” (The Silence of Mary). [1]

• “Straume” received five awards, including Best Animated Film, with Gints Zilbalodis winning Best Director for an animated film. Matīss Kažu and Zilbalodis were recognized as Best Screenwriters, and Rihards Zaļups and Zilbalodis as Best Composers. Gurvals Koiks-Gallass received the award for Best Sound Director.
• “Marijas klusums” similarly secured five awards, being named Best Feature Film. Dāvis Sīmanis was awarded Best Director for a feature film. Kristīne Jurjāne, Rūta Kuplā, and Aija Strazdiņa were honored as Best Costume Designers. Olga Šepicka-Slapjuma won Best Actress in a Leading Role, and Ģirts Ķesteris won Best Actor in a Supporting Role.
• Andris Keišs was recognized as Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in the vampire comedy “Mūžības skartie” (Touched by Eternity). Santa Sandule received the award for Best Makeup Artist for the same film.

Lifetime Achievement Award

The 2025 ceremony also honored Latvian director, screenwriter, producer, educator, and mentor to young filmmakers, Pēteris Krilovs, with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to film art. [1] His work spans both cinema and theatre.

Documentary and Other Nominations

While “Straume” and “Marijas klusums” dominated the awards, other films were also recognized. The documentary film “Podnieks par Podnieku…” by Antra Cilinska and Anna Viduleja was also noted. [2]

Looking Ahead

The Lielais Kristaps awards continue to be a vital platform for celebrating and promoting Latvian cinema, fostering creativity, and recognizing the talent within the nation’s film industry. The awards serve as a benchmark for quality and innovation in Latvian filmmaking.