Actress Zdena Studenková (70) divided Slovakia into two camps when it became public that she refused to accept a state award from President Petr Pellegrini (49). While one part of the public appreciated her strength, the other side criticized her decision. State honors were awarded to 18 personalities, among them the actor Juraj Kukura (77), who received the Pribin Cross of the First Class for extraordinary services to the cultural development of the Slovak Republic.
Politician György Gyimesi (44) also reacted to the actress’ decision on the social network. “In today’s Slovakia, there are only a few people of such character, with such a developed feeling for self-reflection as Zdena Studenková in a cultural community. Rejecting a state award from the hands of the President of the Slovak Republic is not just that, you really need courage and strength to do that, but there must be reasons for doing so“, he said to her address.
According to the politician, there are countless reasons for the actress. “She realized that standing on the same stage with the award-winning Juraj Kukur, who had to emigrate out of defiance against the communist regime, while she was enjoying all the comforts and glory that the communist regime offered, would really not look good. Just admit it, an emigrant and a woman who didn’t mind any regime, on the same stage, with the same award, doesn’t even sound like the beginning of a failed joke,” he wrote teasingly.
“While her award-winning colleague had to start life abroad all over again due to his principled attitude, she continued to represent the communist regime, collect awards, but especially did not rebel. We all know that if the communist regime had not fallen, Zdena would have faithfully and obediently acted in every film in which she was offered a role, although she is no longer naked. And we also know that she would not refuse the title of Meritorious Artist if it were awarded to her. She knows it too, that’s why she decided to refuse an award that doesn’t belong to her. And for that she deserves the thanks of all of us,” he added at the end of the critical status.
