Russian actress Maria Golubkina has publicly defended 16-year-old actress Anna Peresild following a wave of public criticism over her admission to a theatre institute without taking competitive entrance examinations.
The comments were made in a video posted on Instagram after reports emerged that the teenager had been accepted into an acting program without undergoing standard audition competitions. Golubkina, who currently teaches at the Joseph Kobzon Institute of Theatre Art in Moscow, spoke out to support her younger colleague amid the online backlash.
Defense of drama school admission
In her social media commentary, Golubkina described Peresild as a good-looking young woman and pointed out that she is dating singer and actor Vanya Dmitrienko. She noted that Peresild has already starred in between three and five feature films, questioning how any drama program could justify rejecting an applicant with such practical screen experience.
Golubkina further stated that given Peresild's existing professional portfolio, the young performer simply needs to complete her foundational training, receive a formal diploma, and present her qualification to industry employers to ensure long-term career success.
Tuition costs and acting mentors
It was previously disclosed that Peresild will undergo her acting training under the direction of prominent Russian actress Darya Moroz. According to information published on the official website of the Moscow Film School, annual tuition for the educational course is 850,000 rubles.
Family background and institutional context
Anna Peresild is the daughter of celebrated Russian film actress Yulia Peresild and acclaimed director Alexei Uchitel. Her mother achieved international recognition after filming scenes aboard the International Space Station, while her father is known for directing major domestic cinematic productions.
Golubkina herself is an established theatre and film performer with decades of experience in Russian entertainment. She now passes on her craft as a faculty member at the Joseph Kobzon Institute of Theatre Art, a specialized higher education institution named after the renowned Soviet and Russian vocalist.
The social media platform Instagram, where Golubkina published her statement, is banned in Russia and owned by Meta, an organization officially designated as extremist and prohibited within the Russian Federation.
