On March 21, 2025, the prestigious Mariusz Walter Awards celebrated outstanding journalism at a gala held at the Museum of the History of Polish Jews POLIN in Warsaw. An event aimed at recognizing creativity, excellence, and social sensitivity in the media, this year's ceremony marked a significant moment as it included the inaugural award of the Special prize of Bożena and Mariusz Walter.
Leading the festivities were renowned hosts Piotr Kraśko and Grażyna Torbicka, who stressed the importance of the Mariusz Walter Awards in guiding the future of Polish media, emphasizing that these awards showcase the values that journalism should represent. Together, they welcomed a roster of distinguished journalists across multiple categories.
Among the biggest winners of the night was Karolina Lewicka from TOK FM radio, who received the coveted Media Personality of the Year award. This accolade was a testament to her impactful work, which endeared her to listeners and set the standard for journalistic excellence. Nominated alongside her in this category were Jakub Sobieniowski from TVN and Agnieszka Szydłowska from Radio Trójka.
Highlighting the contributions of vibrant new voices in the media, the award for New Voice in Media was presented to the trio of Krzysztof Jakubowski, Agnieszka Mazuś, and Krzysztof Wiejak from jawnylublin.pl. Their work has been instrumental in dynamically shaping local journalism.
The Sport in Media category saw Mirosław Żukowski, an independent sports commentator, recognized for his expertise in tennis and contributions to sports journalism. His work resonates with sports enthusiasts, enriching how events are covered and discussed.
Renata Kim from Newsweek Polska received the award for the Event of the Year in Media category, thanks to her compelling series of articles focusing on Collegium Humanum. Her investigations exemplified exceptional investigative journalism, showcasing the potential of reporting to spark critical public discourse.
New to the awards this year was the Special Award, designed to honor journalists whose contributions might not fit traditional categories but have nonetheless made a significant impact. This inaugural accolade went to Marcin Wrona, a notable journalist from TVN, recognized for his outstanding career and commitment to journalism. Bożena Walter noted during the presentation, "There is a man we often talked about while watching television. An outstanding expert, a perfectionist, who has been a part of TVN from the very beginning, but at some point, flew away to America, to explain the big world to us, to weave stories about presidents. And that man is, as you can easily guess, our great correspondent Marcin Wrona."
During her speech, Bożena Walter emphasized the essence of the awards, stating, "I looked at our awards, our categories, and realized that something is missing. There is simply no such category where remarkable journalists and creators could fit in, who have been creating from the beginning and working from the inception of media. Because we don’t only reward journalists from TVN but also from various other media." This statement captures the inclusive spirit of the Mariusz Walter Awards, striving to highlight the richly diverse landscape of Polish journalism.
The winners received a beautifully crafted statuette by renowned Polish sculptor Tomasz Górnicki, along with substantial cash prizes, including PLN 100,000 for the Media Personality of the Year award winner and PLN 30,000 for winners in other categories. Such recognition not only celebrates individual achievements but also encourages continued excellence within the field of journalism.
The Mariusz Walter Awards were established in 2023 by the Bożena and Mariusz Walter Foundation, initiated with the vision of celebrating media professionals who showcase creativity and courage. They aim to promote stories and individuals that embody social sensitivity, openness, and respect for human dignity.
The audience was also treated to a performance by singer Sławomir Uniatowski, elevating the gala's ambiance with music that resonated with the storytelling spirit of the evening.
This year's event did not only serve as a moment to reflect on the past year's accomplishments in journalism but also as a platform to inspire the future, calling upon media professionals to embrace their roles with integrity and responsibility. As the landscape of journalism evolves with new challenges, the Mariusz Walter Awards remind us of the enduring power of stories and the crucial importance of voices that advocate for truth and understanding in society.
In summary, the Mariusz Walter Awards highlighted exemplary contributions in Polish journalism, showcasing both established journalists and emerging talents. As the gala concluded, attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to fostering an informed society, emphasizing that while the medium may change, the commitment to uncovering stories that matter remains vital.
