This year’s Highlights of Hungary review has commenced, showcasing the season’s most outstanding Hungarian achievements to the domestic audience. At the public press event held at Zwack Füves Bar, the ambassadors for this season were revealed.
Highlights of Hungary is not a traditional award, nor is it merely a brand offering recognition. It is more of a cause, an intellectual safety net. It is committed to highlighting positive Hungarian initiatives, showing that there is much to be proud of! Over its 10-year history, it has showcased approximately 500 excellent performances, making thousands of positive stories known and providing inspiration for all, regardless of age. Family life, film arts, gastronomy, child protection, healing, tradition preservation, visual arts, community building, agriculture, education, social work, sports, dance, science, music–the diverse world of outstanding figures that the Highlights of Hungary initiative presents to both the domestic and international Hungarian audience each year is beyond categorisation. A ‘Highlight’, or nominee, can be anyone who uses their talent and hard work to create something exceptional for the common good.
At an alumni meeting of past nominees and ambassadors, Marianna Csehi, Executive Director of Highlights of Hungary, introduced this season’s ambassadors. They have taken on the task of discovering the season’s outstanding performances, the country’s most lovable and exciting initiatives and enterprises. From the nominees they recommend, the public will vote to determine the two winners of Highlights of Hungary, who will each receive a grand prize of 2 million forints. The award ceremony is expected to take place in November, following the nomination and public voting process.
Psychologist and author Dr Kitti Almási stated: ‘As a Highlights of Hungary ambassador, my goal is to get more people to believe in the power and support of community and culture, and to help more people see failures as learning experiences, see and accept more of themselves, and have a more positive self-esteem.’
Editor and TV personality and gastro blogger Marcsi Borbás, who is returning for a second term, said at the start of the season: ‘I not only believe but also experience everyday miracles in my work. It is important to me that those with talent and persistent diligence can be successful and fulfil their potential. Highlights can contribute to this, which is why I promote it.’
Olympic gold medallist swimmer Dániel Gyurta said he took on the ambassadorial role for very personal reasons. ‘I remember every Hungarian anthem I heard on the podium, it is ingrained in me, the pride of being Hungarian. I believe that everyone is talented in something, and with faith and diligence, one can reach the top. With Highlights, I, as an ambassador, aim to support everyday heroes on their path to success with recognition and fame.’
Award winning poet János Lackfi expressed: ‘I don’t deny it, I am a man of words, and as a Highlights of Hungary award ambassador, I am happy to announce, as a sort of continuation of the ‘What Are Hungarians Like?’ series, that the excellent Hungarian creators, helpers, and innovators among us bring smiles to our lives in any field. We just need to notice them!’
Musician T. Danny promises that as a Highlights of Hungary ambassador, he will ‘introduce nominees who understand what it means to say, “The journey I have come is vast.” And since I boldly quote myself, I also boldly commit to telling everyone–who can listen with an open heart–with my nominees how to travel a great path, and what examples are worth following.’
Read interviews with last year‘s winners:
