The 75-year old was awarded the Order for Services to the Fatherland I class.
Earlier in the day, the President sent Mark Zakharov a congratulatory telegram. “As a director, actor, teacher, journalist and public figure it is difficult to enumerate all of your deep and outstanding talents, – the congratulatory telegram reads. – A truly youthful energy, love of work and loyalty to the principles of art always allow you to accomplish a huge range of things and to do so much, things that only the most gifted and powerful people can do.
More than anyone else, you know how to nurture talent. And young artists consider studying with you to be a gift of destiny. Your creative style includes fine irony, the unexpected juxtaposition of images and the ability to create a harmonious and truly 'star-studded' acting ensemble. That is why the performances at the legendary Lenkom have always enjoyed great public affection, the theatre is always crowded and filled with rounds of applause”.