A row involving some of Russia’s biggest film stars tarnished a glitzy awards ceremony after the presenter accused an actress of making an election video for Vladimir Putin in order to protect her charitable fund.

The dispute took place at the prestigious annual Nika awards hosted by the Russian Academy of Cinema Arts, broadcast on state television and seen as Russia’s equivalent to the US Oscars.

The row erupted as an award was given to Chulpan Khamatova, one of Russia’s best-loved actresses, who leads a respected charity and controversially made a video endorsing Mr Putin’s successful bid to be elected President on March 4.

The opposition-inclined television host Ksenia Sobchak stunned the audience by openly asking Ms Khamatova if she would have made the pro-Putin video if she had not had to worry about her charity.

“Chulpan − you know how I bow before your talent and your human generosity and kindness,” said Ms Sobchak.

“It is because of this that here and now I want to ask you this. If you had not been involved in charitable work would you have supported Putin as a candidate, or would you have simply stayed away from political activity?”

Her intervention prompted furious whistles from the audience and other actors to leap to the defence of Ms Khamatova, whose charity is regarded with universal admiration in Russia for helping to treat children with cancer.

Ms Khamatova did not answer the question. She just said the Russian ceremony was aimed at recognising artistic achievement.