Actor Milan Knazko Receives 2018 Imro Weiner-King Award

Actor Milan Knazko Receives 2018 Imro Weiner-King Award

Bratislava, October 23 (TASR) – Slovak actor and former politician Milan Knazko has been awarded the 2018 Imro Weiner-King Prize, which is given to important figures who have contributed towards developing French-Slovak cultural cooperation and dialogue between the two countries.

French Ambassador to Slovakia Christophe Leonzi took part in the ceremonial event in Bratislava on Monday (October 22). “Awarding this prize is an important event for us in the context of cultural cooperation and social activity between our countries,” said Leonzi, adding that Knazko is a remarkable figure.

“He was a leading figure in the Velvet Revolution. He’s a great friend of France, perfectly masters our language. He exhibits courage, truth and freedom, so he shares our values,” added the French ambassador.

“Knazko has lived in France and has two high French honours: Commandeur de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres [the Order of Arts and Letters-Commander] and Officier de la Légion d’Honneur [Legion of Honour-Officer],” added Jean-Pierre Jarjanette, director of the French Institute, where the event took place.

The Imro Weiner-King Prize took its name from a Slovak artist who lived in France for many years. The award has been granted by the Association of Friends of Imro Weiner-Kral since 2014. The association’s president Pavol Demacek noted that Knazko and Imro Weiner-Kral share joint values, such as the will to rebel, living in freedom as well as interest in sport.

“I was surprised by the nomination because I’m not a globally acclaimed artist. However, when I learnt other reasons [for the nomination], I agreed,” said Knazko, who was one of the leading figures of the 1989 Velvet Revolution.