Biography

Inna Mikhailovna Churikova (1943-2023) was a renowned Soviet and Russian actress celebrated for her extensive work in both film and theater. Born in Belebey, Bashkir ASSR, she moved to Moscow in the early 1950s. She studied at the Stanislavsky Theater's drama studio and graduated from the Shchepkin Theater Institute.

Churikova gained fame with films like "No Path Through Fire" (1968) and "The Beginning" (1970), directed by her future husband Gleb Panfilov. Over her career, she appeared in more than 80 films. She received numerous prestigious film awards, including the Silver Bear for Best Actress at the Berlin International Film Festival and multiple Nika Awards.

Her theater career was equally distinguished. She became a leading actress at the Lenkom Theatre. Some of her notable stage roles included Arkadina in Chekhov's "The Seagull," which earned her the State Prize of the Russian Federation in 1996. She also received the Stanislavsky Award (2014) for her contributions to theatrical arts​.

Inna Churikova passed away on January 14, 2023.

Titles and Recognitions (by year):

- Honored Artist of the RSFSR (1977) - For her contributions to Soviet theatrical art.

- People's Artist of the RSFSR (1985) - For her contributions to Soviet theatrical art.

- People's Artist of the USSR (1991) - For her significant contributions to Soviet theatrical art.

- Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters (France) (2010) - Honored for her outstanding contributions to the arts.

- Honorary Member of the Russian Academy of Arts.

Major Awards (by year):

- Locarno International Film Festival Award (1969) - Best Actress for "No Path Through Fire".

- Silver Bear for Best Actress at the Berlin International Film Festival (1984) - For her role in "Wartime Romance".

- Vasilyev Brothers State Prize of the RSFSR (1985) - For her role in the film "Vassa".

Nika Award:

- Best Actress for "Adam’s Rib" (1991).

- Best Supporting Actress for "Bless the Woman" (2004).

Golden Eagle Award:

- Best Supporting Actress for "The Idiot" (2004).

State Prize of the Russian Federation (1996) - For her role in Chekhov's "The Seagull".

Stanislavsky Award (2014) - For her outstanding contributions to theater.