Helena Bezděk Fraňková to receive Czech Lion for lifetime contribution

Helena Bezděk Fraňková will receive a Czech Lion for extraordinary contribution to Czech cinematography, the Czech Film and Television Academy announced. The Czech Lion awards are the country’s most prestigious film prizes, often described as the Czech equivalent of the Oscars. The award will be presented at the ceremony on March 14 in Prague. Bezděk Fraňková helped establish the State Cinematography Fund in 2013 and led it until 2025, overseeing its transformation into the State Audiovisual Fund. The academy praised her role in building a transparent system of public support for Czech film and strengthening its international standing.