The candidate list also includes art researcher Giedre Jankeviciute, composer Zita Bruzaite, film director Giedre Beinoriute, actors Viktorija Kuodyte and Dainius Svobonas, painters Henrikas Cerapas and Konstantinas Eugenijus Satunas, opera singer Edgaras Montvidas and writer Saulius Saltenis.
These candidates have been picked by the Commission of the Lithuanian National Prize for Culture and Arts from 40 candidates proposed by the public.
Six awardees will be selected from the 12 remaining candidates and their names will be announced at a press conference on Dec 16.
The awards honor significant culture and achievements by Lithuanian creators and those representing the Lithuanian World Community over the past seven years, as well as works of art, crated over the course of life.
The financial award amounts to 800 basic social payments, or 30,400 euros. The awards will be bestowed on the Day of Restoration of the State of Lithuania.