CNN Prima NEWS is looking for the next Woman of Czechia to be awarded the Lata Brandisová Award. Nominate your favorite and revisit the story that captivated the world. Last year, the news platform CNN Prima NEWS created a successful public poll, which is now open again on the CNNPrima.cz website. The aim of the poll is simple – to find and honor an exceptional Woman of Czechia whose story has inspired not only our nation but potentially the entire world.
Nominations can be submitted on zenaceska.cz or CNNPrima.cz until August 21, and the winner of the Lata Brandisová Award will be announced on September 21, 2024, during a gala at the Chuchle Arena in Prague. The event will be hosted by elite TV presenter Terezie Tománková.
Broad criteria
The life of Lata Brandisová, a Czechoslovak jockey and the only female winner of the Great Pardubice Steeplechase, perfectly illustrates the philosophy of the poll. Her legendary victory in Europe’s toughest steeplechase in 1937 was the subject of worldwide admiration. “We live in a world where the boundaries between men's and women's performances are blurring, and the news is often filled with unpleasant, sometimes tragic reports. Therefore, we are thrilled that the first edition of CNN Prima NEWS' Woman of Czechia truly highlighted the positive stories of women who inspire people around the world. We are now opening nominations for the next season to the public. The criteria are very broad – one could be nominated for sporting achievements, extraordinary acts in the cultural, scientific, or educational fields, exemplary behavior, or helping others,” explains Tomáš Vojáček, editor-in-chief of CNN Prima NEWS.
Last year‘s winner Eva Kubala Havrdová.
First winner and jury
Last year, the first-ever Woman of Czechia title and the Lata Brandisová Award were bestowed upon Professor Eva Kubala Havrdová, M.D. D.Sc., a prominent Czech neurologist specializing in the treatment and research of multiple sclerosis. “The victory genuinely surprised me,” says Professor Kubala Havrdová, explaining: “After receiving a lifetime achievement award in science in academia, I never expected another prize. So, being nominated by the Czech public was quite a shock. Just like winning was, as the top 10 nominees numbered many ladies far better known in the media than me. Of course, the Lata Brandisová Award delighted me, but for me, the most important thing is to do work that is useful. None of the awards or titles I’ve received have ever been the purpose of my life. My life’s purpose has always been to help those in need,” she says. After the public nominations, an expert jury consisting of esteemed personalities and last year’s winner will take over. Besides Kubala Havrdová, the jury will include the presenter and founder of the Charity Fund for Helping People in Difficult Situations, Tereza Pergnerová, CEO of the Prima Group, Marek Singer, and horseracing expert Martin Cáp.
