Ukrainian Producer and Veteran Volodymyr Yatsenko Receives France’s Order of Arts and Letters at Cannes
Ukrainian film producer and veteran of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Volodymyr Yatsenko, has been awarded the prestigious Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Order of Arts and Letters), one of the highest honors bestowed by the French Ministry of Culture. The award ceremony took place at the renowned Marché du Film, part of the Cannes Film Festival, which runs through May 24.
The Gaze reports on this with reference to Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications.
The distinction was presented by Olivier Henrard, Executive Director of France’s National Centre for Cinema and the Moving Image (CNC), recognizing Yatsenko’s exceptional contribution to the development of film and his role in advancing artistic and cultural dialogue between Ukraine and the global community.
Yatsenko, a prominent figure in contemporary Ukrainian cinema, is known for producing a series of critically acclaimed films, including “You Are the Universe,” “Wild Field,” “Homeward,” “Atlantis,” and “Luxembourg, Luxembourg.” His productions have not only resonated with audiences and critics alike but have also played a significant role in telling Ukraine’s stories to the world, often under the shadow of war.
In 2025, Yatsenko was selected to join the prestigious “Producers on the Move” program organized by European Film Promotion, a platform that spotlights emerging European producing talent. His nomination came from the Ukrainian Institute, affirming his status as a key cultural ambassador for Ukraine.
The Order of Arts and Letters, created in 1957, is awarded to individuals who have made outstanding achievements in the arts or have contributed significantly to the dissemination of culture and literature in France and internationally.
Yatsenko’s recognition in Cannes is particularly symbolic at a time when Ukrainian culture continues to resist attempts at erasure amid Russia’s ongoing war. His award not only honors his cinematic accomplishments but also serves as a tribute to the resilience and creative strength of Ukraine’s cultural sector during times of war.
As The Gaze reported earlier, the 78th Cannes Film Festival has hosted a special screening of three films dedicated to the Russian-Ukrainian war.