The Russian-speaking Advisory Board of City of West Hollywood provides the setting for recognizing individuals, groups and events that have had a positive impact and bettered the lives of members of the Russian-speaking community in West Hollywood and the Los Angeles region.

These awards are given at the Annual Awards Ceremony to be held in the City of West Hollywood. The ceremony includes live entertainment, hors d'oeuvres and the awards program. State and national elected officials, community leaders and other luminaries attend the ceremony.

The awards are given in the following categories:

Outstanding Community Service Award
This award recognizes an individual or organization that has devoted a significant amount of time, energy and/or resources to making a positive impact on Russian-speaking community. Examples might include (but are not limited to) local non-profit organizations, volunteers, public officials, or any individual or organization who has devoted extraordinary to making a difference in the lives of Russian speaking community members.

Role Model of the Year Award - This award recognizes an individual or group who is a role model to the Russian-speaking community. This role model has demonstrated a high level of achievement, leadership, talent, and is, in short, a hero. Examples might include (but are not limited to) individuals and groups from various disciplines such as sports, education, public service, government, entertainment, and arts and culture.

Outstanding Achievement Award - This award recognizes an individual or company who has had a significant, positive impact on the quality of life in the community. It is for those who have achieved a high level of success, and who have used their success to do great work on behalf of the community. Examples might include (but are not limited to) corporations, small businesses, business owners, managers, executives, and any individuals in business, science, sports, politics, or any other kind of activity.

The Russian Advisory Board of the City of West Hollywood is calling for nominations for the 12th Annual Russian-speaking Community Awards Presentation.  Submit your nomination here. 

Congratulations to our 16th Annual Russian-Speaking Community Awards Recipients:

• Outstanding Community Service Award

 The award was given to an individual, who truly made a difference in the community and who had demonstrated a high level of achievement, volunteering effort and talent during this difficult time:

Vazgen Varzhabetian is a cameraman from Voice of America TV channel (Russian service, European division). The Voice of America (VOA) is a dynamic international multimedia broadcaster with service in more than 40 languages. Serving an estimated weekly global audience of 236.6 million, VOA provides news, information, and cultural programming through the Internet, mobile and social media, radio, and television. VOA is funded by the U.S. Government through the Broadcasting Board of Governors).

• Vazgen spent 6 years on filming stories for Voice Of America news in California, during the Pandemic and lockdown he covered stories about LA hospitals, frontline workers, nursing homes, World War Two veterans (including the Russian-speaking community). Filmed wildlife and other disasters.

  Vazgen also worked on a lot of projects initiated by the Russian Advisory Board of the City of West Hollywood.

  Since the war in Ukraine began, Vazgen has been working on the stories about Ukrainian refugees, anti-war protests, and volunteering stations.