USSR State Prize

History

State Stalin Prize (1941–1956)

The award traces its origins to the State Stalin Prize (Государственная Сталинская премия), commonly known as the Stalin Prize, which was established in 1941. It honoured achievements in science, technology, literature, and the arts deemed vital to the Soviet war effort and postwar reconstruction. Ceremonies were suspended during 1944–45 and then held twice in 1946 (January for works from 1943–44; June for 1945 works).

USSR State Prize (1966–1991)

By 1966, the Stalin Prize had fallen out of favour with leadership’s de-Stalinization policies. On 9 September 1966 the Supreme Soviet established the USSR State Prize as its direct successor. Recipients of the earlier Stalin Prize had their diplomas and badges reissued under the new name.

From 1967 onward, each annual award carried a cash prize of 5,000 rubles. It was conferred in three degrees (1st, 2nd, 3rd), with higher degrees reflecting greater significance of the contribution.

Selection process

Nominations originated from professional unions or party bodies in each Soviet republic. They were reviewed by the Stalin Prize Committee (later State Prize Committee), followed by screenings in relevant ministries, the Agitprop Department, and finally by the Politburo Commission. Although Soviet leaders retained the theoretical right to override committee decisions, most awards were ratified through this multi-stage process.

References

References

1. Volkov, Solomon; Bouis, Antonina W., trans. 2004. ''Shostakovich and Stalin: The Extraordinary Relationship Between the Great Composer and the Brutal Dictator''. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 0-375-41082-1.
2. Frolova-Walker, Marina. 2016. ''Stalin’s Music Prize: Soviet Culture and Politics''. New Haven: Yale University Press. ISBN 978-0-300-20884-9.