NATPE Honors Europe celebrates visionaries transforming CEE's entertainment industry

NATPE Budapest, the leading global TV market in the CEE (Central and Eastern Europe) region, announced the honorees of the first NATPE Honors Europe, a new awards programme celebrating visionary individuals whose creative ideas and leadership are redefining the region's entertainment industry.

The ceremony will be held on 23 June 2025 at the elegant Dorothea Hotel in Budapest and promises to be a landmark in the European media calendar.

‘NATPE Honors is a celebration of the extraordinary talent and leadership that drives our industry,’ said Claire Macdonald, executive director of NATPE. ‘After the successful debut of the awards at NATPE Global in Miami, we understood the need to also highlight outstanding leaders in the CEE region.’

 

2025 Honorees:

North Star Award - Recognizes career achievements that have shaped the course of the industry with exemplary leadership:

- George Levendis, CEO of ANT1 TV, Mak TV and Antenna Studios (Greece), is honored for his commitment to innovation, his ability to spot emerging trends and his drive for emerging talent in Greece and beyond. His ability to forge key partnerships has been instrumental in creating international successes.

- Levente Málnay, CEO and Executive Vice President of AMC Networks International (Central and Northern Europe), for his pivotal role in establishing commercial television after the fall of communism, as well as for his leadership in producing and managing a diverse portfolio of channels in the region.

 

Shift Disturber Award - Honoring those who drive change through bold ideas and transformative leadership:

- Daniel Grunt, CEO of Nova Group (Czech Republic), recognized for the success of Voyo, a platform that has managed to stand out against global giants with its focus on high-quality original and local content.

- Magdalena Szwedkowicz, producer of MAG Entertainment (Poland), for her role in transforming the Polish audiovisual industry and for international hits such as Znachor, Napad, Squared Love and Sleboda, which reflect Polish cultural heritage with a global reach.

 

Cause + Action Award - Celebrating those who lead with purpose and create social impact:

- Starlight Media (Ukraine), recognized for its commitment to social causes, highlighting the visibility of war veterans, including in entertainment formats such as The Bachelor.

 

With over 300 registered buyers from 60 countries and the participation of major international studios such as Sony Pictures Television, NBCUniversal, Lionsgate and Fremantle, NATPE Budapest reinforces its position as the most dynamic and efficient marketplace in the region.

 

FF