Vujović: The July 13th Award testifies that Montenegro recognizes excellence, dedication and responsibility...

On the occasion of the Jury's decision to award the Thirteenth of July Award for 2026, Minister of Culture and Media Tamara Vujović congratulated this year's laureates, emphasizing that this highest state recognition represents confirmation of exceptional creative and scientific achievements that permanently enrich the cultural, scientific and social space of Montenegro.

This was announced tonight by the Ministry of Culture and Media (MKM).

Sonja Tomović Šundić, Snežana Dragićević, Snežana Vuksanović and Nikola Vukčević are the winners of the Thirteenth of July Award.

The decision was made by a jury consisting of Trifun Savić, Suljo Mustafić, Novak Jauković, Mitar Rakčević, Andrija Radulović, Novica Đurić, Ćazim Muja.

"The 13th of July Award confirms that Montenegro recognizes and appreciates creators and scientists whose achievements represent a lasting value for our society. It also testifies that Montenegro recognizes excellence, dedication and responsibility as fundamental values ​​of its cultural and scientific development," Vujović stated, according to the MKM statement.

The Minister emphasized that this year's laureates confirm with their works that creativity and science represent a universal language that transcends borders and time.

"Their achievements enrich Montenegrin culture, advance scientific thought and contribute to the international affirmation of our country," said Vujović.

The MKM statement states that the work "Literary Anthropology of Danilo Kiš" by Professor Dr. Sonja Tomović Šundić represents a valuable contribution to contemporary humanistic thought and literary studies.

"The scientific achievements of Dr. Snežana Dragićević and Dr. Snežana Vuksanović confirm the importance of research in the field of botany and contribute to the development of science, the protection of natural heritage and the sustainable development of Montenegro. The international success of Professor Dr. Nikola Vukčević and the film 'Obraz' once again confirms that Montenegrin cinematography achieves notable results and contributes to the recognition of our country on the world cultural scene. It is particularly significant that the Jury recognized the achievements of women, both in the field of social and natural sciences, which further illuminated and confirmed their important role in the development of Montenegrin science," the statement reads.

The MKM announced that Vujović "thanked the jury for the award of the Thirteenth of July Award for their responsible and professional work, as well as for their dedication to preserving the reputation of this highest state award." "On behalf of the Ministry of Culture and Media and on my own behalf, I extend my sincere congratulations to Professor Dr. Sonja Tomović Šundić, Dr. Snežana Dragićević, Dr. Snežana Vuksanović and Professor Dr. Nikola Vukčević. Their achievements represent a lasting value for Montenegro and an encouragement to future generations to believe in the power of knowledge, art and creativity," concluded Vujović.