The National Film Awards known as 'Lielais Kristaps' will culminate this Sunday, March 1, with an award ceremony at the Riga Congress Hall. This year, the event runs until March 5, featuring a variety of events leading up to the main gala that recognizes excellence within the film industry across 25 categories, including a special vote by the audience for the lsm.lv viewer's award.

One of the highlights of this year's ceremony is the lifetime achievement award to the stuntman Uldis Jānis Veispals. Having made significant contributions to the development of Latvian cinema over more than fifty years, Veispals' career includes participation in hundreds of film and television projects both in Latvia and internationally. He is recognized not only as a proficient stunt performer but also as a pioneer of the stunt profession in Latvia and the Baltics, contributing to the establishment of safety standards in the field.

This year's ceremony will also emphasize the legend of 'Lielais Kristaps' and its contemporary interpretations, highlighting the rich cinematic history of Latvia and bridging the past with modern storytelling practices. The event is poised to celebrate the artists and filmmakers who continue to shape the Latvian film landscape, fostering a deeper appreciation for national cinema among the public and viewers alike.