The combined VIII and IX award ceremonies of the international prize of the Russian Geographical Society "Crystal Compass" took place on May 27 at the Moscow International House of Music. Under the ambitious symbolic motto "Time of the First", the award brought together more than 200 researchers, travelers, eminent scientists, artists, TV presenters and public figures.The "Geographic Oscars" were awarded to the finalists in 11 categories for achievements in the fields of geography, ecology, conservation and popularization of natural and historico-cultural heritage.
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The most grandiose winner of the award, who became the undeniable hero of the evening, was declared the para-extreme traveler Rustam Nabiev, who succeeded in the impossible - he made the first ever ascent to the top of Elbrususing just his hands. An incredibly daring achievement earned him a victory in the "Public Recognition" category and gave hope and inspiration to a huge number of people.
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Another "Compass" was awarded to the film "Podolsk Cadets" in the "Best Media Coverage" category.The film tells about the little-known exploits of the young heroes of World War II, who defended the Ilyinsky line near Moscow. The award was received by Sergei Bezrukov, who played the role of the captain of the detachment, Ivan Starchak. "Many thanks to the Russian Geographical Society for appreciating the film 'Podolsk Cadets' so much," he thanked and added, "The homeland must not only be loved and known, it must also be protected."
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The TV channel "My Planet" was awarded the prize for the series of investigative films "The Water of Life". Famous scientists and doctors studied the healing properties of Russian springs from the North Caucasus to Kamchatka. Studies of the chemical composition of the samples taken from healing reservoirs have revealed truly beneficial waters that can be used in balneology.
The honorary guests of the ceremony were actor and public figure Steven Seagal, editor-in-chief of the "Russia Today" TV channel Margarita Simonyan, Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for International Cultural Cooperation Mikhail Shvydkoy, People's Artists of Russia Edgard and Askold Zapashny, legendary Nobel Peace Prize winners as part of the intergovernmental group of experts on climate Vladimir Kotlyakov and Olga Solomina, cosmonaut Viktor Savinykh, academicians of the Russian Academy of Sciences Nikolai Kasimov and Alexander Chibilev, ambassadors of foreign states and others. The ceremony was hosted by the People's Artist of the Russian Federation Vladimir Berezin and the TV presenter of Channel One, famous travel journalist Irina Pudova.
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In addition to the ceremonial part, the guests were presented with an exhibition of rare rocks from Antarctica, more than a billion years old, delivered to Moscow from the Russian "Progress" station. Separately, about 130 civil, military and scientific magnetic compasses of Dmitry Khmelev of the mid-19th century were presented. The exhibition was supplemented by thematic books, magazines and photographs.
The award ceremony was held by the Russian Geographical Society with the support of "Gazprom Transgaz Krasnodar" PLC, "Krasnaya Polyana" resort, and the Moscow Department of Culture. The style partner was Indever. Over the nine years of the award ceremony, 2,733 unique projects from 40 countries of the world have become nominees. More than 2 million people expressed their preferences in the special category "Public Recognition", where the winner is determined by means of Internet voting.