In 1982, he was accepted on two-year higher courses for script-writers and directors at the USSR State Cinema in Moscow (Eldar Ryazanov's creative workshop).
Russia's National Academy of the Cinematic Arts and Sciences awarded Vagif Mustafayev a Gold Medal for his contribution to film-making.
In the same year, he was also awarded the Badge of Honour for Contributions to Friendship of the Russian Foreign Ministry's Russia Abroad Centre.
Vagif Mustafayev was for the second time elected chairman of the authoritative international jury of the 12th Eurasian TV Forum, held in Moscow from 26 to 30 November 2009.
He also won the prize and diploma for his Outstanding Contribution to the Development of Film and Television at the 13th Eurasian TV Forum, held in Moscow in November 2011.