On March 1, during the National Film Award 'Lielais Kristaps' ceremony held at the Riga Congress Hall, the international jury awarded the Best Film for 2025 to 'Dark Blue Gospel', directed by Oskars Rupenheits. The film is set in Riga during the 1990s and follows a young criminal police investigator, Romāns Skulte, who initially approaches his job with enthusiasm but soon realizes that idealism is insufficient in combating the underworld, leading him to confront moral dilemmas and the need to break rules.

Another notable winner at the ceremony was Dzintars Dreiberga's second feature film 'In the Net: The Birth of TTT Legends', which was recognized as the Best Full-Length Feature Film. This film is based on true events from the mid-20th century, portraying the courage required for not only competing in basketball as a Latvian but also resisting totalitarian rule. It focuses on the rise of the outstanding women's basketball team TTT, which emerged under the shadow of Soviet power, particularly highlighting the team's captain, Dzidra Uztupe-Karamiševa.

The recognition of both films highlights the dynamic growth of Latvian cinema, as they address critical historical contexts and personal struggles within a rich narrative landscape. This celebration of national achievements in film serves not only as entertainment but also as a cultural reflection of Latvia's past and the ongoing journey of its people through the arts, echoing the resilience and creativity of the nation.