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Golden Globe spotlight: Adrien Brody and Hungary shine in “The Brutalist”!

Golden Globes Spotlight Adrien Brody and Hungary shine in The Brutalist!

The 82nd Golden Globe Awards featured some remarkable moments for Hungarian culture and history this year. Central to the event was the film The Brutalist, which claimed the award for Best Drama as well as a Golden Globe for Best Director.

“The Brutalist” movie follows the life of László Tóth, who began his career as a student at the Bauhaus school but emigrated to America to escape the horrors of war. The film’s opening scene, in which Tóth gazes at the Statue of Liberty from a boat, uses particularly powerful visual elements to convey the protagonist’s state of mind: the camera shows the iconic statue upside down, emphasising the duality of life as an emigrant and the pain of missing home.

The character of Tóth is fictional, but elements of the stories of Marcell Breuer and László Moholy-Nagy can be seen in the character. The film’s protagonist is a symbol of talent and persecution, an artist of Jewish origin who fled the Nazi terror and tried to start a new life in America.

In the course of the story, an important line is uttered by the son of Tóth’s American patron: “We will tolerate you here”. This simple statement highlights the often complicated relationship between immigrants and American society, where talent is recognised but full acceptance is often lacking.

The movie’s star: Adrien Brody

Adrien Brody’s performance masterfully captured not only the drama of the character, but also his personal ties. Brody’s mother and grandparents left Hungary after the 1956 revolution, which gave him an emotional depth to play Tóth.

According to Magyar Nemzet, the actor spoke on Stephen Colbert’s show in the weeks leading up to the Golden Globes about how moved he was to see his Hungarian heritage so prominently featured in the film. He described Hungary as passionate, outspoken and full of dark humour, which he said often has a surprising effect on other cultures.

The film’s star, Adrien Brody, received the award for Best Actor in a Leading Role, further highlighting the Hungarian aspect of the film. The film tells the story of László Tóth, a Hungarian-born architect who struggled to find his place in the United States after World War II.

Hungarian elements in the movie

The special significance of the film is enhanced by the fact that Adrien Brody speaks Hungarian in several scenes. In one scene, for example, he says “B…szd meg!” (which is the most common swear word in Hungarian, f**k) and other Hungarian phrases such as “Nem vicces!” (which means “Not funny”). The letters are also narrated in Hungarian, authenticating the roots of the story. Although Brody’s accent is convincing, it is likely that digital technology also helped to achieve the perfect pronunciation.

The Hungarian presence is evident not only in the use of the language, but also in the cast and locations. The film features several Hungarian actors, including Anna Mészöly, Benett Vilmányi and Levente Orbán. The film was shot almost entirely in Hungary, and viewers will recognise the Semmelweis University building, the synagogue on Bethlen Square and some rural castles. There is even a reference in one scene to the fact that one of the characters worked as a journalist for Magyar Nemzet before the war.

The movie’s message

This year’s Golden Globe will be remembered not only for the awards but also for the spotlight that Hungarian stories and places have received in the global spotlight. A similar feeling was perhaps last experienced thirty years ago, when the American film “Music Box” tackled a Hungarian theme with world stars and a big budget. “The Brutalist” continued this tradition and brought Hungarian culture to a new level of international attention.

“The Brutalist” is not only a sensitive portrayal of the dilemmas of emigration but also a tribute to Hungarian history. The central themes of the film are the difficulties of integration and the question of preserving identity, which transcend the Hungarian context and carry a universal message. The fact that the Hungarian language and culture have been given such a prominent role in an international production is a rare and remarkable moment.

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FIFA Puskás Award: Garnacho scored the most beautiful goal in 2024 – VIDEO

Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho of Argentina has won the Puskás Ferenc Award for the most beautiful goal of the year, presented at Tuesday’s International Football Federation (FIFA) Doha Gala.

Alejandro Garnacho scored his scissor-kick goal against Everton in the 2023-2024 Premier League season – a 1-0 win for MU, which, it turned out, not only earned him three points but also the Puskás Award. The 20-year-old is the second Argentine footballer (after Erik Lamela) and the second Manchester United player (Cristiano Ronaldo was the first winner in 2009) to receive this award.

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Budapest International Foto Awards announces the winners of 2024

The Budapest International Foto Awards (BIFA) proudly announce the winners of its 2024 edition, including the prestigious Photographer of the Year and Best New Talent of the Year titles, as well as remarkable category winners. Selected from an impressive global pool of submissions, these extraordinary works span subjects ranging from the devastation of natural disasters and the realities of war to the elegance of fine art photography. These captivating images highlight the profound power of visual storytelling.

Budapest International Foto Awards

Program Director of the BIFA, Hannah Lillethun, shared her thoughts on this year’s winning entries. “I am incredibly proud to congratulate the winners of the 2024 Budapest International Foto Awards. The quality and artistry of all the submissions were truly remarkable, making the selection process both challenging and inspiring for the judges. Each photograph displayed a deep sense of creativity and craftsmanship, and the winning entries stand as a testament to the power of visual storytelling. I commend all participants for their dedication and encourage them to continue pushing the boundaries of their art.”

Louis-Philippe Provost has been awarded the 2024 Photographer of the Year title, the highest honour in the Professional division, for his stunning work, Spiral At The Museum. Provost impressed the jury with his exceptional depiction of the iconic staircase within the Art Gallery of Ontario—a celebrated architectural masterpiece in downtown Toronto designed by the legendary Frank Gehry. His photograph masterfully captures the staircase’s elegance, embodying a perfect harmony of artistry and architectural brilliance.

Budapest International Foto Awards
Spiral At The Museum – Louis-Philippe Provost
Photo: BIFA

João Coelho has been awarded the prestigious Discovery of the Year title in the Student/Amateur division for his compelling series, Taming Giants. Coelho’s work vividly captures the gruelling lives of young workers dismantling ships in an Angolan graveyard. Through striking imagery, he portrays their raw strength and determination as they carry massive iron pieces through relentless waves, guided by a lifelong respect for the sea’s power. Despite their immense efforts, these workers earn only $120 per ton, a poignant depiction of their harsh and unforgiving reality.

Budapest International Foto Awards
Taming Giants – João Coelho
Photo: BIFA

The prestigious Photographer of the Year award includes a $3,000 cash prize and the distinguished BIFA trophy, while the Discovery of the Year, an equally significant accolade, comes with a $2,000 cash prize and the BIFA trophy. In addition, winners in each main category will receive a $200 cash prize. All First Place and Main Category Winners will benefit from global recognition and the opportunity to display their work in exhibitions worldwide throughout the year.

Visit the BIFA Winners Page to explore the winning entries and their impact on the art of photography.

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PHOTOS: Hungarian luxury hotel rises among Europe’s best!

minaro hotel Tokaj MGallery

The Minaro Hotel Tokaj MGallery has earned multiple prestigious accolades in 2024, solidifying its place among Europe’s top luxury destinations. At the World Luxury Awards, the hotel won honours in three key areas—luxury accommodation, gastronomy, and wellness—while its spa partner, L’Occitane, was recognised as the world’s best for the second consecutive year. These awards further enhance Tokaj’s reputation as a premier destination for luxury relaxation and unforgettable experiences.

The Minaro Hotel Tokaj MGallery has achieved remarkable recognition in 2024, securing multiple prestigious awards that solidify its status as a top luxury destination, Lelépő reports. At the World Luxury Awards gala, the hotel and its restaurant, Tortuga, each received three honours, while its spa partner, L’Occitane, was named the World’s Best Spa Brand for the second time at the World Spa Awards.

Triple victory for Minaro Hotel

The Minaro Hotel was celebrated for its exceptional offerings in three key areas: luxury accommodation, gastronomy, and wellness. Its accolades include:

  • Best Luxury Adults-Only Resort in Europe
  • Best Luxury Hideaway Resort in Europe
  • Best Luxury Spa Resort in Eastern Europe

Tortuga Restaurant also garnered attention, winning:

  • Best Buffet Variety in Europe
  • Best Buffet Dining in Europe
  • Best Luxury Resort Restaurant in Hungary

Dana Janigova, the hotel’s director, expressed pride in the recognition, stating: “Minaro Tokaj MGallery is more than a hotel; our gastronomic, wellness, and hospitality services represent the pinnacle of relaxation and renewal.”

A wellness haven

The hotel’s 1,600-square-meter spa, featuring the globally acclaimed L’Occitane brand, offers a sanctuary for wellness enthusiasts. Known for its soothing products and innovative massage techniques, L’Occitane has partnered exclusively with Minaro Tokaj MGallery in Hungary. This collaboration ensures guests a luxurious and rejuvenating experience, further elevating the hotel’s appeal.

A boost for Tokaj tourism

The awards underscore the Minaro Hotel’s excellence across luxury lodging, gastronomy, and wellness, enhancing Tokaj’s reputation as a premier destination for discerning travellers seeking unforgettable experiences.

minaro hotel Tokaj MGallery
Source: minaromgallery.hu

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Former Hungarian President Áder: ‘Apology, forgiveness sign of strength, not weakness’

Apology and forgiveness are signs of strength rather than weakness, and Serbians and Hungarians need their strength as well as each other, former president János Áder said in Subotica (Szabadka) on Wednesday, upon receiving the Pásztor István Award.

The Pásztor István Award, named after the leader of the Association of Vojvodina Hungarians who died one year ago, will be handed to a Serbian and a Hungarian each year for their work to maintain good relations between the two nations by promoting the welfare of the minorities in each country. The first award was given to Áder and former Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic on the first anniversary of Pásztor’s death, on Wednesday.

jános áder subotica serbia
Photo: MTI/Molnár Edvárd

In his acceptance speech, Áder recalled a commemoration in 2013, when he and Nikolic, as presidents, honoured together the memory of the Serb and Hungarian victims of the Second World War. “We have apologised to the generations bearing the trauma of those events on their shoulders. We called sin by its name but erased forever the concept of collective culpability from our vocabularies.

We stepped away from the vicious circle of stigmatisation, passion … vengeance and revenge,” Áder said. Nikolic said that he and Áder had “led Serbs and Hungarians to historic peace together”. They had both faced backlash for that, “but those who can’t take criticism for the greater good are not fit for the office,” Nikolic said.

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4 Hungarian tourism destinations recognised among Europe’s best!

veszprém hungarian tourism destination

Four of Hungary’s mesmerising tourism destinations, Veszprém, Sárvár, Esztergom, and Tokaj-Hegyalja have received prestigious awards recently. Green Destinations has once again compiled its list of the top 100 sustainable tourism destinations for the year, and Hungary performed well on the list.

This year, 170 tourism destinations, including 65 from Europe, competed to have their sustainability projects showcased on the Green Destinations TOP 100 Stories list, Világgazdaság reports. At the award ceremony held on 15 October, it was revealed that only 32 countries, including Hungary with four projects, made it onto the list, according to a statement from Innotime Hungary.

Annual Green Destinations recognition

The international organisation Green Destinations annually recognises destinations around the world that have implemented high-level sustainable tourism initiatives. These projects serve as inspiring examples for both the industry and travellers.

Every year, tourism destinations are given the opportunity to present how they address key challenges such as environmental protection, social equality, cultural heritage preservation, and economic sustainability.

By publishing these exemplary practices, destination management organisations receive recognition for their innovative solutions to the challenges of sustainable development.

Veszprém made it onto the TOP 100 list for the second time this year, along with award-winning projects from Sárvár, Esztergom, and Tokaj-Hegyalja.

Four tourism destinations, four success stories

Veszprém

veszprém hungarian tourism destination
Veszprém, Hungary. Photo: depositphotos.com

Veszprém’s project, linked to its designation as the European Capital of Culture in 2023, earned a spot on the list. The city transformed a neglected 2.3-hectare industrial area—the former site of the Balatoni Furniture Factory—into a vibrant cultural centre known as Gyárkert KultúrPark.

Originally planned as a temporary project, its success led to the extension of the lease for an additional three years. However, this time, the project operates without external funding, relying solely on partial city support and a new business plan.

Tokaj-Hegyalja

In Tokaj-Hegyalja, a model project centred around the village of Bodrogkeresztúr received recognition. It all began when a local stork named Fülöp, who stayed in the village year-round, tragically died after flying into a power line. This event spurred the town to bury its overhead power lines and create a stork-themed visitor centre.

Fülöp, the stork:

Today, the area features an active tourism site offering camping, sports programs, birdwatching, and other conservation-related activities that draw attention to the region’s stork population. Several tourism programs have since been developed, showcasing the unique natural and cultural assets of Bodrogzug and the surrounding area.

Sárvár

Sárvár’s GoGreen project, available via the website gogreen.sarvar.hu, provides an easy-to-use web app. Visitors to the site simply click a button to receive environmentally friendly travel tips. Users can also share these suggestions on social media or access additional information on environmental protection through related blog posts. The app even indicates whether the suggested actions require any preparation or are simple to implement.

Esztergom

esztergom hungary
One of the best tourism destinations in Hungary: Esztergom. Photo: depositphotos.com

Esztergom’s good practice is tied to its local farmers’ market, operated by the city’s tourism organisation. The market not only offers local producers a platform to sell their goods but also serves both residents and tourists. A city shuttle service, primarily aimed at helping elderly locals access the market, is provided regularly. The market also hosts thematic events for tourists, focusing on local ingredients, products, short supply chains, and showcasing the uniqueness of local businesses.

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Featured image: depositphotos.com

Hungarian silent film After Death to be screened at Lumiere Film Festival in Lyon – Trailer here

The National Film Institute (NFI) said on Monday that this week’s Lumiere Film Festival in Lyon will feature a screening of Hungarian director Alfred Deesy’s 1920 silent film After Death.

The film, remastered in 4K as part of a Belgian-French-Hungarian project, will feature in the festival’s “Sublime moments in silent film” section, the NFI said.

After Death, “a rare example of the silent film era’s popular ghost stories”, is among the three Hungarian fantastical silent films that have survived from the 42 that were produced.

The NFI noted that Deesy’s film is an adaptation of a novel by French writer Gaston Leroux, who is also known for The Phantom of the Opera.

After Death stars internationally famed actress Kamilla Hollay in the lead role, and is also recognised for its rich colour palette and unique technical elements.

The film was remastered in 2023 as part of the Association of European Cinematheques’ (ACE) A Season of Classic Films programme supported by the European Union’s Creative Europe scheme.

The single almost-complete film copy can be found in the Royal Belgian Film Archive.

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Kate Winslet and Alexander Skarsgard visited the Budapest art cinema – PHOTOS

These two Hungarian hotels won the 2024 Spa Oscars

2024 Spa Oscars Lua Resort

Two Hungarian hotels won the 2024 World Spa Awards, the so-called Spa Oscars.

2024 Spa Oscars for two Hungarian hotels

According to turizmus.com, the award aims to boost the spa and wellness segments’ commitment towards quality. The World Spa Awards is a twin program of the World Travel Awards.

Two Hungarian hotels won the popular vote, the LUA Spa at LUA Resort Balatonfüred and the Kempinski The Spa at Kempinski Hotel Corvinus, Budapest.

budapest hotel Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest 2024 Spa Oscars
The Kempinski Hotel in the heart of Budapest. Photo: Facebook/Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest

During the voting process, experts working in the wellness and spa industry can select the best places with thousands of guests. The best spa hotel in the world is the Swiss Alpine Spa at Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa. Meanwhile, the world’s best resort spa was chosen to be The Spa at Mandarin Oriental in Marrakesh.

Based on the new ranking, the best spa destination is Dubai, while the world’s best wellness travel destination is Arizona in 2024. There were a couple more categories at the awards ceremony, including the best casino hotel spa (Lapis Spa at Fontainebleau Las Vegas) and the best airport lounge spa (Emirates Timeless Spa).

Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest 2024 Spa Oscars
Photo: Facebook/Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest

LUA Resort and Kempinski Hotel are the best Hungarian spas

In Hungary, the best hotel spa is the Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest, while the best resort spa has become the LUA Spa at LUA Resort Balatonfüred.

The 5-star luxury hotel LUA Resort opened in May 2022 offering accommodation, gastronomy experience, and many leisure activities, but only for adults. It has 78 modern rooms, many with a panoramic view of Lake Balaton. Turizmus.com said then that they were excitingly elegant with pure forms representing natural design.

All rooms are equipped with specially designed pillows, beds, and mattress combinations, offering a sleep adventure for the guests. In the hotel’s NOON Restaurant & Lounge, Michelin-star chef István Pesti created the gastronomy palette. He works in the Platán restaurant in Tata. Read more about the hotel HERE.

The Kempinski Hotel Corvinus was honoured with the “Green Collection Hotel of the Year” this July. The five-star hotel is located in the heart of Budapest, offering easy access to the major attractions, shopping districts and vibrant cultural landmarks.

The hotel blends modern sophistication with classic European style. It has 316 rooms and 38 suites, all furnished with high-end amenities to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay. The accommodations are known for their spaciousness, stylish decor, and panoramic views of the city or the park. Furthermore, it houses several acclaimed restaurants. Read more about the hotel, what it offers for the guests and the hotel’s restaurants in THIS article.

You may read the full list of the award-winning places HERE.

Hungarian restaurants also awarded

On 2 October, the World Culinary Awards were given to two Hungarian restaurants. Felix Kitchen & Bar in Budapest was chosen as Hungary’s best restaurant. Meanwhile, Hungary’s best hotel restaurant in 2024 is the ÉS Bisztró @ Kempinski Hotel Corvinus in Budapest.

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  • Hotel Palota in Lillafüred becomes Hungary’s first to receive prestigious certification – read more and check out some photos HERE
  • A culinary journey awaits: Discover Hungary’s best restaurants during Restaurant Week! Details in THIS article

Budapest’s Dessert of the Year announced – Available for tasting this Friday!

budapest dessert of the year

This year, the chestnut and apricot chocolate dessert from Cocó7 Chocolate Shop and Workshop has been crowned Budapest’s Dessert of the Year. The winning treat will be available for the public to taste for the first time at the Édes Napok Budapest festival, starting on Friday, 11 October, in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica.

Édes Napok (Sweet Days) is one of Europe’s largest festivals dedicated to chocolate and sweets, with nearly 40 exhibitors showcasing their cakes, chocolates, and other delightful creations in front of the Basilica, according to Csaba Rebrus, president of the Hungarian Chocolate and Confectionery Association (Magyar Csokoládé és Édesség Szövetség, Csésze) and the main organiser of the event, Infostart reports.

budapest dessert of the year
Budapest’s Dessert of the Year: a chestnut and apricot chocolate dessert from Cocó7 Chocolate Shop and Workshop. Photo: MTI/Lakatos Péter

Many desserts can be tasted this Friday

Among this year’s highlights are the debut of Balaton Fagyi (Balaton Ice Cream) and Balaton Süti (Balaton Cake), as well as the opportunity to sample Demeter Chocolate Ltd.’s creation, Dubai. Additionally, chocoMe will introduce its new brand, Atelier, which stands out for completing the entire chocolate production process in-house—from sourcing the cocoa beans to roasting and refining them on-site.

The festival not only celebrates sweets but also aims to support Hungarian small and medium-sized confectionery businesses. It serves as a platform for promoting Hungarian artisanal chocolatiers, helping them strengthen their presence in the market, explained Csaba Rebrus.

budapest dessert of the year
Budapest’s Dessert of the Year. Photo: MTI/Lakatos Péter

He also highlighted the challenges currently facing the Hungarian confectionery industry, noting significant price increases for essential ingredients like cocoa beans, coupled with rising energy and labour costs. Despite these hurdles, local chocolatiers continue to achieve international success, even though the industry receives no direct government subsidies. Unfortunately, many pastry shops have seen a decline in business during these challenging times.

The winning creation: Budapest’s Dessert of the Year

This year’s competition, which was invitation-only, was judged by a panel of five experts. Cocó7 Chocolate Shop and Workshop emerged as the winner of Budapest’s Dessert of the Year. According to Bernadett Bretz, the head of Cocó7, the goal was to use only the highest-quality ingredients in their creation. The dessert consists of a brownie-like sponge cake made with chocolate and butter, topped with a creamy dark chocolate layer and a light, rum-flavoured chestnut cream, all set on a crunchy almond base. Inside the dessert is an apricot jelly spiced with vanilla, cloves, and cinnamon for an added twist. The finishing touch is a smooth chocolate coating and a small chestnut ball placed on top.

budapest dessert of the year
Csaba Rebrus, President of the Hungarian Chocolate and Confectionery Association and Bernadett Bretz, owner of the Cocó7 Chocolate Shop and Workshop. Photo: MTI/Lakatos Péter

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Amazing: Magyar Posta among the 20 best in the world!

Magyar Posta is in 20th place in the 2024 Integrated Index for Postal Development of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), the state-owned postal company said on Thursday.

Magyar Posta among the world’s best

magyar posta among the worlds best
Magyar Posta chairman-CEO Barnabás Balczó. Photo: MTI/Hegedüs Róbert

Magyar Posta advanced from 33rd in the 2023 ranking.

Magyar Posta chairman-CEO Barnabás Balczó accepted the UPU’s Rising Star distinction, for achieving the greatest overall improvement in postal development, at a ceremony in Bern on Wednesday, World Post Day.

The UPU, with 192 member countries, marked its 150th anniversary on 9 October.

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Heritage Foundation president Kevin Roberts receives high Hungarian state award

Kevin Roberts, the president of the US conservative Heritage Foundation, was decorated with a high Hungarian state award in recognition of his role in bolstering Hungarian-US relations, in Washington, DC on Monday.

The Heritage Foundation is now one of the most influential think tanks in the US Republican camp, close to Trump, and is now one of the former president’s strategy-making centres.

Roberts highly esteems Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his government, calling him an impressive leader. He has been to Hungary several times, including as a guest of the Mathias Corvinus Collegium (MCC). Kevin Roberts held a panel discussion with Viktor Orbán in March, read about it here.

Hungary’s ambassador in Washington initiated the award. Zsolt Németh, the head of parliament’s foreign affairs committee, presented Roberts with the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit of Hungary, Civilian Division, on behalf of President Tamás Sulyok.

Szabolcs Takács, Hungary’s ambassador to the US, told MTI that Roberts received the award in recognition of his “central role” in fostering relations between Hungarian and American conservative institutions and personalities. It had been as part of this relationship, he added, that Prime Minister Viktor Orbán gave a talk at the Heritage Foundation’s headquarters during his visit to the US in March.

Roberts said Hungary had a role in the US’ conservative renewal, particularly with its policy of putting the nation-state and sovereignty first.

Viktor Orbán is one of the few world leaders who clearly backed Trump in the last and next elections. Many accuse him of meddling in the internal affairs of the United States while expecting everyone to stay out of Hungary’s internal affairs. One thing is for sure, the November election has high stakes for the Hungarian government, as either the frosty relationship with the United States, one of the world’s largest economies, continues, or a friendly relationship with Trump’s leadership develops.

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US presidential elections: Ambassador Pressman slams PM Orbán, says he does not have a B plan and is cozy with Putin

Hungarian opera wins International Opera Award

Valuska, Péter Eötvös’s 13th opera, won the prize for best premiere at the International Opera Awards in Munich on Wednesday, the Hungarian State Opera House said in a statement.

The opera commissioned by the Budapest Opera House in 2018 was Eötvös’s last and the only one in Hungarian, based on The Melancholy of Resistance, a Man Booker Prize-winning novel by László Krasznahorkai.

Hungarian opera wins International Opera Award (Copy)
Photo: FB/Hungarian State Opera

Bence Varga directed while Mari Mezei, Eötvös’s widow, was the principal librettist. The opera was conducted by Kalman Szenna.

At the award gala in Munich on Wednesday night, Varga said Eötvös had paid close attention to the production despite his grave illness. His last public appearance was at the opera’s premiere on December 2, 2023, Varga said. Eotvos died in early 2024.

Singers included Zsolt Haja, Adrienn Miksch, Tónde Szabóki, Maria Farkasréti and András Habetler.

Valuska Hungarian opera International Opera Award (Copy)
Photo: FB/Hungarian State Opera

Valuska is available free of charge on operavision.eu until Dec 2, and is expected to return to the Opera House’s stage in 2025-2026.

Read also:

  • Premiere Eötvös opera Valuska nominated for international award
  • Everything you need to know about Budapest’s magnificent Opera House – photos and details HERE

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Liget Budapest celebrated at International Travel Awards

Liget Budapest
Liget Budapest Project, a cultural development in the capital’s City Park, was acknowledged as “Best Tourism Development Project” and “Best Family-Friendly Development in Europe” at the International Travel Awards ceremony in Dubai on Saturday, Benedek Gyorgyevics, who heads the Liget project company, said.

Liget Budapest

Liget Budapest is one of Europe’s most significant urban cultural and recreational developments, located in the heart of the Hungarian capital.

The project aims to revitalize Budapest’s historic City Park (Városliget) while preserving its natural beauty and heritage. The development includes the construction of several new museums, exhibition spaces, and public attractions, enhancing the city’s cultural landscape. Notable venues such as the House of Hungarian Music, the New National Gallery, and the Museum of Ethnography are part of the project. In addition to its cultural significance, Liget Budapest offers expansive green spaces, walking paths, and recreational areas for residents and tourists alike.

The project is designed to promote sustainability by incorporating eco-friendly features like green roofs and energy-efficient systems. It also aims to increase tourism by making Budapest an international art, culture, and leisure hub. The development has garnered international recognition for its architectural innovation and commitment to cultural preservation.

Liget Budapest has become a symbol of the city’s transformation into a modern European metropolis. Once fully completed, it is expected to be a leading destination for both locals and global visitors.

International Travel Awards ceremony

One of the project’s elements, the House of Music Hungary, was also recognised as the “Most Attractive Tourism Destination in Europe,” Gyorgyevics said.

He added that with foreign visitor numbers on the rise at the House of Music Hungary, the Museum of Ethnography, and the BalloonFly hot air balloon attraction, Liget Budapest is now “on the international tourism map.”

He said the goal in the long term is to make the project a “must-see” attraction and a reason for longer stays in the capital.

read also: Award-winning Liget Budapest showcased at Museum of Ethnography

Sensational: Judit Polgár named most influential female chess player of the last century

judit polgár fide chess best female player

Judit Polgár has been named the most influential female chess player of the past hundred years, while her sister, Zsuzsa Polgár, was recognised as the top female chess coach.

According to a press release sent to Telex, these accolades were awarded as part of the centennial celebration of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), which honoured key figures in the chess world across 18 different categories. FIDE’s relevant committees nominated individuals and organisations in each category, with the winners decided by a vote.

Judit Polgár named most influential female chess player

judit polgár fide chess
Judit Polgár is widely regarded as the strongest female chess player of all time. Photo: FIDE

In the “Best Female Chess Player” category, there were ten nominees, all of them former world champions. Judit Polgár was up against legends such as Nona Gaprindashvili and Vera Menchik, with the Hungarian grandmaster ultimately claiming victory.

Polgár, who earned her grandmaster title at just 15, is the only woman to have ever ranked among the top 10 players in the world.

“Judit Polgár is widely regarded as the strongest female chess player of all time. She became a Grandmaster at 15, breaking Bobby Fischer’s record, and was the youngest player to enter the FIDE top 100 at age 12. She is the only woman to surpass a 2700 Elo rating, reaching a peak world ranking of No. 8 in 2004,” FIDE wrote about her.

Judit’s sister, Zsuzsa Polgár, was honoured as the best female chess coach. A four-time world chess champion between 1996 and 1999, she became the highest-ranked female player at the age of 15 and, in 1991, was only the third woman to receive the prestigious grandmaster title from FIDE.

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Acclaimed German filmmaker awarded in Budapest

Acclaimed German filmmaker Wim Wenders accepted the International Federation of Film Archives’ (FIAF) 2024 award at a ceremony held in the Urania Cinema in Budapest on Thursday evening.

Opening the ceremony, Csaba Káel, the government film development commissioner, called Wenders a key figure of contemporary cinema, a filmmaker and photographer who worked to ensure that stories of the past should inspire future generations. He said the preservation of film heritage was not only a passion but a responsibility, too, “one of the keys to the sustainability of culture”.

Presenting the award, a pure silver film can, FIAF Secretary-General Tiago Baptista said he was honoured to present to Wenders the 2024 FIAF Award as an acknowledgment of his longstanding commitment to cinema and its history, and in recognition of his work for film art and the preservation of film heritage.

Acclaimed German filmmaker awarded in Budapest
Photo: MTI

Wenders said he was honoured to receive the award, noting that he had spent much time in Cinematheque Francaise in Paris and several other similar film institutions around the world. “It is in these archives where the huge 20th century treasure we call cinema is being preserved and passed on to future generations.” Underscoring the importance of education, he said that “there is no better way to teach history than through the history of cinema.”

Wenders said that film, for him, was a complex language, a comprehensive form of art. He emphasised the importance of the preservation of cultural heritage and passing on the language of film, pointing out the responsibility of filmmakers to this end.

The event, organised as part of the ongoing Budapest Classics Film Marathon, concluded with a screening of the film A Trick of the Light (The Skladanowsky Brothers), Wim Wenders’ personal tribute to German film pioneers Max and Emil Skladanowsky. The restored film was accompanied by French composer Laurent Petitgand singing and performing music live on the piano, guitar, saxophone and harp.

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International Photography Awards: stunning winning images of IPA 21st edition

The International Photography Awards (IPA) is delighted to announce the winners of its highly anticipated international photography competition. In its twenty-first edition, the competition saw tens of thousands of entries in both the Professional and Non-Professional categories. After rigorous evaluation by an international panel of esteemed judges, these exceptional photographers have been selected for their outstanding contributions to the world of visual storytelling.

This year’s competition drew an impressive array of talent from across the globe, with entries spanning diverse categories, including editorial, landscapes, portraits, wildlife, and abstract. The competition’s commitment to celebrating creativity, technical excellence, and compelling storytelling was evident in the quality of submissions received. The work of the winners captivated the judges and stood out among the submissions, demonstrating a profound commitment to the art of photography.

Emanuele Cucuzza, Founder of Image in Progress and IPA jury member, commented:

“I really feel honoured to be part of the jury panel of such a great contest, always open to an evolving context. This year I’ve found also many more complex and interesting projects than the past years. These are definitely my favourites since technique, knowledge and creativity are not enough without a vision, without photography culture, without consistency. I believe this year’s winners to be true story tellers with new points of view, and with a personal and recognisable style.”

Winners were selected in the following categories: Advertising, Analog, Architecture, Book, Editorial, Event, Fine Art, Nature, Sport, People, and Special Photography. These artists demonstrated unparalleled creativity and skill within their chosen genres.

Mr. Hossein Farmani, Founder of the competition, expressed his excitement:

“We are consistently impressed by the quality and diversity of the work we review each year, with submissions continually surpassing expectations and representing talent from countries all around the world. We deeply appreciate the dedication of our jury, who face the challenging task of selecting a small group of winners from a field of entries that all deserve recognition.”

The prestigious Photographer of the Year and Discovery of the Year titles will be presented during the IPA Awards Ceremony in Athens, Greece, as a highlight of the IPA “Foto Fiesta”. From November 21st to 23rd, this celebratory weekend will feature not only the awards ceremony but also an array of exciting photography events. Photographer of the Year and Discovery of the Year winners will be honored for their exceptional work alongside other category winners, whose images will be showcased at the IPA Annual Best of Show Exhibition. This event-packed weekend will bring together industry leaders and photography enthusiasts to celebrate the power of visual storytelling. The winning photographs will also gain international exposure, enabling enthusiasts and professionals worldwide to appreciate these outstanding works of art.

Professional Category Winners

 

Tom Franks – The Second, ADVERTISING

Drew Gardner – Neikoye Flowers Direct Descendant of David Miles Moore, ANALOG / FILM

Gleici Rufatto – Line, Form and Color, ARCHITECTURE

Sebastian Copeland – The Arctic: A Darker Shade of White, BOOK

Mustafa Hassona – The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, EDITORIAL / PRESS

Charles K. Niell Jr. Chaz – Roe V. Wade Fully Human, EVENT

Paul Szimák – FINE ART OF RESILIENCE, FINE ART

Benjamin Yavar – Sardines, NATURE

Maryam Firuzi – In the Shadows of Silent Women, PEOPLE

Dale May – Last Trip Home, SPECIAL

Peter Muller – Ballers, SPORTS

 

 

 

For more information about the winning photographers and their entries, please visit www.photoawards.com to view the complete gallery of winning images.

Hungary nominates Semmelweis film for Oscar

Hungary is nominating Lajos Koltai’s Semmelweis for the Academy Award for best international film, the National Film Institute (NFI) said on Tuesday.

Semmelweis nominated for Oscar

The film tells the story of world-renowned Hungarian doctor Ignatius Semmelweis, with Miklós H. Vecsei and Katica Nagy in the leading roles.

The US Film Academy will announce the short list of films nominated for the Oscars on January 17. The award ceremony will take place on March 2.

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Hungarian success at the Emmy Awards: Sabi Tulok wins for Disney documentary

Sabi Tulok Emmy award

Hungarian production mixer Sabi Tulok, also known as Szabolcs Tulok, has won an Emmy award for his exceptional work on a Disney documentary.

Hungarian success at the Emmy awards

24.hu writes that Sabi Tulok, also known as Szabolcs Tulok, received the award for Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Nonfiction Program at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards held on 7 September at the Peacock Theatre. This event marks the beginning of the Emmy season, with another ceremony set to take place before the main awards, which will be broadcast live on 15 September. Tulok served as the production mixer for Disney’s documentary The Beach Boys, a film that pays tribute to the iconic band that revolutionised pop music. The documentary delves into the origins of the band and features rare footage, along with new interviews with band members and key figures in the music industry.

In 2023, a limited private screening of the documentary was held, featuring Brian Wilson. Wilson, who lives with schizoaffective disorder and mild manic depression, now primarily expresses himself through his music. Hungarian-born Emmy winner Sabi Tulok, who worked on the film, has built a distinguished career as a sound engineer across commercials, feature films, documentaries, television, and web series. His notable works include Blood Father and Don’t Let Go.