This year, the national award in the field of culture and arts, “Yangi Oʻzbekiston Yulduzlari” (“Stars of New Uzbekistan”), is being presented at the international level for the first time, expanding the boundaries of cultural dialogue and strengthening cooperation.

In Tashkent, the award events are being held in a special format. The official ceremony took place at Renaissance Hall. Several innovations were introduced into the program. For the first time, a nomination titled “For Contribution to the Promotion of Uzbek Culture Abroad” was established for citizens of Commonwealth countries who contribute to the popularization of Uzbek culture and art on the international stage. Foreign guests also attended the event.

Among the international participants was the music group Ay Yola from Bashkortostan, performers of the song “Homay”, which became a global hit in 2025. Honored guests included Honored Artist of Tajikistan and People’s Artist of Uzbekistan Nigina Amonkulova, People’s Artist of Azerbaijan Mensem Ibrahimov, as well as People’s Artist of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan Gulyanag Mamedova.

Over the course of the award’s history, 60 cultural and artistic figures have already been recognized and honored across 20 nominations. Laureates were determined in categories covering music and theater, cinema, circus arts, painting, folklore, and pop performance. The winners received special statuettes and certificates, as well as monetary awards equal to 100 times the base calculation value.

The national award in the field of culture and arts, “Yangi Oʻzbekiston Yulduzlari”, is held regularly in accordance with the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan of December 25, 2023, as well as within the framework of resolutions of the President and the Cabinet of Ministers aimed at further improving the level of cultural services for the population.

The award not only highlights the achievements of domestic artists but also provides a platform for international cultural exchange, strengthening friendship and cooperation between countries through creativity and the arts.

Aziza Alimova, UzA