The TEFI National Prize, which is awarded to the best producers of television content, has been held once a year since 1995. The award ceremony itself takes place in different places in Moscow and St. Petersburg, its hosts and nominees change every year. Only the award remains unchanged - a bronze statuette of Orpheus, the work of Ernst Neizvestny.
A few months before the ceremony itself, the selection of works for participation in the competition is announced. Plots, films, programs and applications for selection made in accordance with the requirements of the competition are sent to the Academy of Russian Television Foundation. Works must be in Russian or translated into it - this is a prerequisite.
The works of 9 professional guilds of the Foundation are evaluated. For example, operators look at how well the camera work is done. Sound engineers evaluate sound. Producers of programs for children give points to programs for children.
Over the years, TEFI was awarded in a different number of nominations - from 40 to 50. Among them are such categories as “For personal contribution to the development of Russian television”, “Interviewer”, “Best sports commentator”, “Journalistic investigation”, “Talk show” and others. Both individuals and entire programs and films are awarded.
The award ceremony does not have a fixed venue. Over the years, it was awarded in the Small Hall of the Kremlin Palace, and in one of the pompous hotels in the capital, and in the central house of the businessman. TEFI-2011, which took place on May 25 and 29, 2012, was held at the Moscow Novaya Opera Theater and at the Musical Theater.
The ceremony is usually led by several hosts, different each year. For example, TEFI 2009 was hosted by TV hosts Svetlana Sorokina, Kirill Nabutov, Leonid Parfenov, actresses Ksenia Rappoport and Anna Shatilova.
On stage, the presenters announce the best in each category. If several contenders receive an equal number of votes, each is awarded. After the winner is announced, he goes up to the stage and receives the bronze Orpheus.
Usually, the event is broadcast live from the hall where the award ceremony takes place.
