Benedek Kiss

poet

Akasztó, 19 March 1943 – Budapest, 2 January 2026

Full member of the Hungarian Academy of Arts (2011–2026)

Benedek Kiss was born in the village of Akasztó, situated merely ten kilometres from the town of Kiskőrös, and this fact is significant not only in a symbolic sense, for in this environment the life and works of Sándor Petőfi were vividly present, and, primarily through Petőfi’s life and works, the respect and love for poetry was present as well.

Kossuth Prize

The highest Hungarian state decoration for the cultivation and preservation of Hungarian culture.

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2014

governmental award

Laurel Wreath Award of Hungary

Hungarian state award for those who have achieved outstanding performance in the field of Hungarian literature and already hold an artistic award granted by the minister responsible for culture.

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1999

governmental award

József Attila Award

The highest state literary award for outstanding literary activity, awarded by the current Minister of Culture.

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1994

governmental award

Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary

One of the four highest Hungarian state awards is the Hungarian Order of Merit, which is granted in various grades to individuals who perform exemplary activities in culture, science, art, or their own field, in order to advance Hungary’’s interests and promote universal human values.

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1987

governmental award

Certificate of Merit of the Cultural Committee of the People’s Republic of Bulgaria

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1979

governmental award

József Attila Award

The highest state literary award for outstanding literary activity, awarded by the current Minister of Culture.

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