Government approves 2026 National Prize laureates' list

The Government approved today the list of 2026 National Prize laureates. The distinctions are awarded for outstanding achievements in literature, fine arts, cinematography, medicine, science, and sports.

The 2026 National Prize laureates are:

Claudia Partole, poet, prose writer, playwright, essayist, and journalist – for her entire literary and cultural activity, contribution to the development of literature for children and young people, promotion of reading, and cultural education of the younger generation.

Veaceslav Fisticanu, fine artist and educator, Master of Arts – for his entire artistic and educational activity, contribution to the development of contemporary painting in the Republic of Moldova, training of generations of fine artists, and promotion of national fine art.

Valeriu Jereghi, director, screenwriter, and writer, Master of Arts, People's Artist, and Knight of the Order of the Republic – for creating the volume “Cinematic Novellas,” contributing to the development of cinematography, and promoting the image of the Republic of Moldova internationally.

Valeriu Cușnir, ophthalmologist, university professor, PhD in medical sciences, and head of the Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry at Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy – for his contribution to the development of ophthalmology and optometry, modernization of diagnostic and treatment methods, and training of specialists in the field.

Igor Povar, PhD in chemical sciences and head of the Physicochemical Methods of Research and Analysis Laboratory at the Institute of Chemistry of Moldova State University – for the series of scientific results entitled “Thermodynamic Foundations for the Prediction and Control of Complex Chemical Processes in Water Treatment and Environmental Protection Technologies.”

Margareta Curtescu (Maria Abramciuc), researcher, literary critic, essayist, and writer, PhD in Philology and coordinating scientific researcher at the Institute of Romanian Philology Bogdan Petriceicu-Hasdeu of Moldova State University – for her contribution to the research and promotion of Romanian literature from Bessarabia, the development of literary criticism and literary history, as well as for her academic activity and literary creation.

Oleg Crețul, high-performance para judo athlete, Honored Master of Sports and Honored Coach of the Republic of Moldova, president of the Paralympic Committee of the Republic of Moldova, and honorary president of the National Sports Federation of Judo for Persons with Disabilities – for his landmark sporting achievements and contribution to the development and promotion of the Paralympic movement in the Republic of Moldova.

The laureates were selected by secret ballot by the Commission for the Awarding of the National Prize, following the examination of the submitted applications. This year, a total of 25 applications were submitted.

The National Prize is awarded annually by the Government for outstanding achievements in areas of national importance. Each prize consists of a diploma, a medal, and a financial award of 100,000 lei.