Lithuanian photographer who took picture of Sartre to be awarded French government prize

French Culture Attaché to Lithuania Lysiane Caron said Sutkus would be honoured for his contribution to the spread of the French culture.

“The French minister of culture grants the award to all people and prominent artists who are linked to France and who contribute to worldwide spread of the French culture. Fifty years ago, Sutkus took a photograph of Jean-Paul Sartre – this was important in the life of Sutkus and Sartre. The photograph helped Sutkus’ career to evolve, while it was also important in Sartre’s life, as we, the people of France, have memorized three-four or five photographs, they are in our hearts, and one of them is made by Sutkus, and it is very famous now,” said the diplomat.

The awards ceremony will take place at the French Institute in Vilnius on Tuesday.

The French culture minister’s award has been received by six Lithuanians so far – theatre director Juozas Miltinis was awarded post mortem in 1995, musicologist Juozas Antanavičius, incumbent Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre director Gintautas Kėvišas and theatre director Rimas Tuminas received it in 1998, while flute player Algirdas Vizgirda and theatre director Oskaras Korsunovas were awarded in 2011.

The award is conferred on 960 individuals annually, with merely 160 of the award granted to non-French nationals.