The following is the English translation of a press release kindly provided to us by the Mathias Corvinus Collegium (MCC).

Based on public voting, Tibor Kapu, Ottó Kalányos, and the Örökké Haza (Forever Home) project received this year’s Highlights of Hungary awards, organized under the purview of the Mathias Corvinus Collegium (MCC), at a gala held at the Budapest Music Center on Thursday, 30 October. This year set a record, with over 140,000 votes cast, from across Hungary and nine other countries, for the 25 nominees. In addition to the main awards, special prizes were also presented to recognize achievements in education, culture, sustainability, preservation of traditions, and personal life stories.

Highlights of Hungary 2025: Three Winners, Three Outstanding Achievements

The awards were presented by this year’s ambassadors—Marcsi Borbás, Márk Ember, Boglárka Kapás, Dr Róbert Kőnig, and Szabolcs Szabadfi—at the gala. The ambassadors selected nominees based on their own professions, values, and life experiences, choosing individuals whose stories genuinely reflect the spirit of Highlights of Hungary and the MCC. Despite coming from diverse fields, the ambassadors agreed that perseverance and value creation were the most important criteria. They also emphasized that true achievement is measured not just by results, but by setting an example, inspiring others, and encouraging them to take action. This year’s winners once again highlighted inspiring Hungarian stories, connected by shared values.

‘It is a tremendous honour that so many people voted for me, and I thank everyone for their trust. For me, the Highlights of Hungary community award is a sign that the message of space exploration—the power of knowledge, perseverance, and community—has truly resonated with people. This gives me great strength to continue my mission,’ Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu said.

‘It is both a huge surprise and an honour to be part of an award that so few receive. I am grateful to the Highlights of Hungary team and Boglárka Kapás for noticing and nominating me. My mother is the first person who comes to my mind. She taught me to believe, to fight, and to remain humane in every situation. The book I wrote about her with love and respect not only tells her life story, but also shares everything I learned from her—faith, perseverance, and unconditional love. This award is a tribute to her memory. I believe she is smiling somewhere now, happy that her story lives on and can inspire others,’ Ottó Kalányos, Catholic priest and Transylvanian Roma pastor, shared.

‘This award is more than recognition—it is hope. Hope that more people will know these babies exist, that it is no longer taboo to talk about them, and that their story is also part of our shared story,’ Teodóra Kiss and Blanka Égi, creators of the Örökké Haza project, stated.

‘This has been a fantastic season, with record-breaking votes and views. The reception of Highlights proves that many people long to see true values and genuine examples that can inspire them deeply: examples of talent, diligence, and kindness,’ Executive Director for Highlights of Hungary Marianna Csehi emphasized.

Highlights of Hungary is not a typical award, nor simply a brand offering recognition; it serves as a spiritual safety net. The mission of the Mathias Corvinus Collegium Foundation is to highlight outstanding Hungarian achievements, creators, and creations, shaping the values of the Hungarian public. To date, over a thousand positive stories have been shared, inspiring people of all ages. These authentic examples show that the Hungarian community has a strong and diverse foundation for self-esteem, that excellence is possible in any profession, that everyone possesses unique talents, and that defining success through values beyond material wealth is meaningful.

Six Value-Based Special Awards Presented at the Gala

In addition to the three audience awards, six special prizes were presented, offered by partners representing the values of Highlights of Hungary:

• The MCC special prize went to Dr Gyula Obádovics, selected by students for inspiring generations to love mathematics with his knowledge and charisma, encouraging them to solve problems rather than just seek answers.
• The Libri special prize was awarded to Dóra Elek, founder and artistic director of the Baltazár Theater, in recognition of her mission to reconnect with the roots of theatre arts and Hungarian culture.
• Mandiner honoured Ferenc Porkoláb, master of folk art and creator of the Derecske filter, celebrating his career dedicated to preserving tradition.
• The Képmás Magazine special prize was awarded to János Bán (pen name Mór Bán), who brought Hungarian historical novels into vogue with his knowledge-driven, fact-based storytelling.
• The Index special prize also went to Dr Gyula Obádovics, who has shown across countless fields that few have contributed more to knowledge transfer than he has.
• The Hungarian State Opera House special prize was awarded to Andrea Bojti, who provides valuable support to families through her podcast series for confident parenting.

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