The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the list of winners of the 2024 National Prize. The winners will receive a medal, the Government's diploma, as well as a cash prize of 100,000 lei, IPN reports.

"The National Prize is a prestigious award conferred annually for outstanding achievements in the fields of science, culture, art and sports, which contribute both to the promotion of the image of the Republic of Moldova internationally, and to the technical-scientific and socio-economic progress of the country," Minister of Culture Sergiu Prodan stated in the Cabinet’s meeting.

This year’s laureates are:

Maria Mocanu, singer, folklorist, writer, journalist, People's Artist – for her outstanding contribution to the promotion of national values;

Sergiu Galben, plastic artist – for his prodigious activity in the field of fine arts and creation of valuable works;

Nicolae Dohotaru, general director and first conductor of "Maria Bieșu" National Opera and Ballet House, People's Artist, Knight of the Order "Labor Glory", Master of Arts, teacher – for outstanding achievements in the development of national culture, promotion of artistic values and cultural management;

Ion Ciutac, doctor habilitate in medical sciences, associate professor, coordinator of emergency surgery at "Holy Trinity" Municipal Clinical Hospital – for his exceptional achievements in surgery;

Denis Nica, doctor habilitate in physical sciences, associate professor, researcher – for his significant contribution to the development of the fundamental theory of heat transfer in nanostructures;

Nicolae Negru, writer, playwright, political pundit, columnist of the National Newspaper – for the national message and for the depth of his literary, dramaturgical and journalistic work, as well as for the autobiographical book “Enemy Progeny";

Sergei Tarnovschi, Emeritus Master of Sports, participant and medalist at the Olympic Games, world champion and medalist at the European games/championships, triple world university champion, professional athlete – for his exceptional achievements in sports and contribution to the promotion of the image of the Republic of Moldova;

Sergiu Cumătrenco, film producer and distributor – for special merits and artistic contribution to the distribution and promotion of cinematographic art in the Republic of Moldova, as well as for his contribution to the development of the country's cultural heritage.

The laureates were designated by secret ballot at the November 24 meeting of the National Prize Commission.