Winners of the Kyiv Book of the Year 2025 literary and arts award honoured in Kyiv

A solemn ceremony was held in Kyiv to present the annual literary and artistic award ‘Kyiv Book of the Year – 2025’. For many years, this prestigious award has been a symbol of recognition for the creative achievements of Ukrainian writers, scholars, educators, artists, and publishers who contribute to the development of national culture, the expansion of readers’ horizons, and the strengthening of Ukrainian identity through their work.

The Kyiv Book of the Year award was created with the aim of popularising Ukrainian books, enhancing the role of literature in society and supporting those who create the spiritual and cultural space of modern Ukraine. It is awarded for the most significant achievements in the field of fiction, scientific, journalistic, pedagogical and artistic literature, as well as for personal contributions to the development of the book industry.

This year’s ceremony took place at the end of October in Kyiv, in a landmark cultural venue, where writers, artists, publishers, and representatives of the scientific and educational communities gathered. The event traditionally brought together well-known cultural figures – among the guests were Heroes of Ukraine, People’s Artists, Honoured Workers of Culture, scientists, educators, and young authors.

The event was organised by the Institute for Political, Legal and Religious Studies with the support of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Education and Science, the National Union of Writers of Ukraine, the National Academy of Arts, the Kyiv City State Administration and other institutions that actively support the development of Ukrainian book culture.

During the opening ceremony, representatives of the organisers emphasised that books remain not only a source of knowledge, but also an important means of shaping consciousness and enriching society spiritually. They stressed that even in difficult times, it is literature that continues to unite people, preserve historical memory and inspire good deeds.

This year’s winners include prominent figures in contemporary Ukrainian literary and scientific life. In the ‘Documentary and Publicistic Literature’ category, the award went to American jurist and writer Paul R. Williams for his book The Path to Reconciliation: How Law Shapes Lasting Peace. The author explores the influence of international law on the construction of peace processes and the formation of just social models, which is of particular importance for modern Ukraine.

Kyiv Book of the Year 2025 and nominations

The nomination ‘Literature in the field of musical art’ honours Viktor Hutsal, People’s Artist of Ukraine, outstanding conductor and musicologist. His work ‘Musical and “Non-Musical” Vibrations’ is a true combination of professional analysis and personal memories of an artist who has devoted his entire life to Ukrainian culture and the development of national art.

In the category ‘Pedagogical Publication,’ the winner was Professor Viktor Andrushchenko, Doctor of Philosophy, Honoured Worker of Science and Technology of Ukraine, for his book ‘The Enlightenment Odyssey of the Mind.’ This is a large-scale study in which the author reflects on the evolution of education, spiritual development, and the role of enlightenment in the formation of personality. Also noted in this category was a collective work led by Professor Vasyl Kushcher, a monograph entitled ‘The Future of Journalism Through the Eyes of Young People: Our Pen Is Our Weapon,’ dedicated to young authors and new trends in the media sphere.

In addition, this year awards were also given in several other categories: ‘Historical Literature,’ ‘Drama,’ and ‘Encyclopaedic, Reference and Educational Publications.’ In each category, authors who have made a significant contribution to the development of Ukrainian science, culture and education were recognised.

The presentation of the Kyiv Book of the Year award was not only a celebration of literature, but also a reminder of the indomitable Ukrainian spirit. At a time when the country is fighting for its future, it is culture and the written word that remain at the forefront of the spiritual front, forming the basis of national identity.

Summing up the ceremony, the organisers emphasised that supporting creative people, publishers and educators is an important part of the capital’s cultural policy. They expressed their hope that the award will continue to contribute to the flourishing of the Ukrainian word, discovering new names and establishing high standards in the book industry.

Thus, the presentation of the Kyiv Book of the Year – 2025 award confirmed that Ukrainian books remain a living symbol of the intellectual power of the nation, a powerful tool for preserving cultural memory and an inspiration for future generations.

Earlier, the official teaser for the warmest comedy of the year, Train to Christmas, was released.