PHOTOS: Hungary’s Saint Stephen Orders awarded to soprano, animator

Photo: MTI

President Katalin Novák decorated coloratura soprano Erika Miklósa and animator Ferenc Rofusz with the most prestigious state award, the Order of Saint Stephen, on Saturday, Hungary’s national holiday.

The president praised Miklósa as one of Hungary’s most successful and internationally best known opera singers who won acclaim for the country with her performances in Paris, London, Munich, New York and several other venues all over the world. Novák also highlighted Miklósa’s merits in mentoring young talents.

The president praised Rofusz as Hungary’s first Academy Award-winning artist, receiving the prestigious prize in 1980 for his animated short “The Fly”.

Ferenc Rofusz. Photo: MTI

Erika Miklósa. Photo: MTI/Zoltán Máthé

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Novák noted that the communist authorities of the time had not allowed the animator to leave the country and attend the Oscars gala but later on his artistic achievements were duly recognised.

“We, Hungarians, are proud of you, your professional achievements, commitment and outstanding human qualities,” Novák said. “The whole nation expresses thanks for what you have done for us, Hungarians, for our homeland, Hungary.”