What an honour: Three Hungarian filmmakers join the Academy with voting rights for the Oscars
Three Hungarian film professionals have joined the ranks of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), gaining official voting rights for the Oscars. This prestigious recognition is not only a personal career milestone but also a testament to Hungary’s growing international reputation in the film industry.
The newly inducted members are costume designer Györgyi Szakács, sound engineer Balázs Varga, and film editor Dávid Jancsó, all of whom bring extensive experience and internationally acclaimed work to the table.
According to Blikk, the Academy invited more than 500 new members from around the world this year. The clear goal of this expansion is to make the Oscar voting body more diverse and globally representative. By including individuals from different cinematic traditions, viewpoints, and cultures, the Academy aims for more inclusive and reflective decision-making. The inclusion of Hungarian professionals is part of this initiative and highlights the global recognition of Hungarian talent.
The addition of these three new Hungarian members is not without precedent—Hungarian filmmakers have been contributing to the Academy’s work for years. Past invitees include László Nemes (Son of Saul), Kristóf Deák (Sing), Ildikó Enyedi (On Body and Soul), Ferenc Rófusz (Oscar-winning animator), and set designer Zsuzsa Mihalek, also an Oscar winner. With such a legacy, Hungary is playing an increasingly prominent role in the global film community.
Three Hungarian Talents Join the Academy
Györgyi Szakács is a long-established name in the Hungarian film industry, and her work has reached well beyond national borders. Her costumes have graced internationally acclaimed films like Sunshine and the recent Semmelweis. Her creativity and historical accuracy played a key role in creating the authentic atmosphere of both films.
Balázs Varga made a name for himself as a sound engineer, recently contributing to two notable international productions: The beautiful Game and Stockholm Bloodbath. His precision and sensitivity in sound mixing have earned him recognition from professionals around the world.
Editor Dávid Jancsó received significant international attention this year when he was nominated for an Oscar for his work on the film Brutalist. His editing style is not only technically outstanding but also emotionally engaging, making him a valuable asset in cinematic storytelling.
Interestingly, Academy membership isn’t granted automatically—even to Hollywood’s biggest stars. Actors like Jason Momoa, Dave Bautista, and Sebastian Stan only received invitations in 2025, despite years of success in the industry. This underscores that AMPAS membership is awarded based on genuine professional achievement and dedication rather than fame alone.
Academy members not only vote but also take part in the nomination process, giving them direct influence over which films earn the spotlight. This means Hungarian filmmakers are becoming ever more active participants in global decision-making, potentially increasing the international visibility of Hungarian films—even at the industry’s most prestigious award shows.
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