HCM CITY — Readers across Viet Nam are encouraged to nominate artists and organisations who have made great contributions to the nation's cultural and arts activities in 2021 for the 27th annual Mai Vang (Golden Ochna) Awards.

The awards, which were first organised by Người Lao Đong (Labourer) newspaper in 1991, consist of 12 categories of pop and contemporary folk singers, song and music videos.

There are prizes for theatrical artist, comic actor, theatrical play, movie actor and actress, film, MC and TV programme as well.

People can nominate their favourite artists and art programmes at the newspaper’s website nld.com.vn, or the awards’ website at maivang.nld.com.vn, or at the awards’ Facebook fanpage by November 30.

The organisers have received several nominations for categories like contemporary folk singer and movie actor.

The nominations for contemporary folk singer include veteran singers such as People’s Artist Tạ Minh Tam, Trọng Tấn and Anh Thơ, along with new faces like Nguyễn Khanh Ly and Hồng Duyen.

They have frequently performed on the music show “Ca Khuc Dan Gian Đương Đại” (Contemporary Folk Songs) launched by the Voice of Viet Nam radio station.

Some of them have performed for doctors and patients at COVID-19 treatment hospitals and quarantine centres in HCM City.

Young singer Nguyễn Khanh Ly impressed listeners with her debut album Lời Ru Coi Nguồn (Lullaby of the Origin) consisting of 12 contemporary folk songs.

Meanwhile, Hồng Duyen remixed folk songs from different regions of the country in different music genres like acoustic, jazz and semi-classic in her new album Duyen (Charm).

The nominations for movie actors include skilled actors like Thai Hoa, People’s Artist Trung Anh, and Meritorious Artist Võ Hoai Nam.

They have left a deep impression on TV audiences with emotional characters in drama series like Cay Tao Nở Hoa (When Apple Tree Blooms), Nhũng Ngay Khong Quen (Unforgettable Days) and Hương Vị Tình Than (Family Love).

Young actors like Trấn Thanh, Mạnh Quan and Duy Hưng are also named in the nomination list.

The jury consisting of leading artists in different fields and cultural and social experts will choose five nominations for each category among readers’ nominations.

Readers can vote for the winners from December 8 to January 7.

This year, the organisers and jury will give three additional awards for artists who have contributed to community activities, an art performance to serve the community, and an art or literary work.

The awards ceremony is expected to take place on January 13 in HCM City, and be broadcast live on Viet Nam Television’s channel VTV9. — VNS