Stars honored for promoting Turkey in exported TV series
ISTANBUL
Turkish actors and actresses who have taken part in TV shows that have contributed to the international promotion of the country through their high export volumes were praised at the 44th Pantene Golden Butterfly Awards ceremony late on Dec. 10.
The annual awards ceremony presented “Miracle Makers” awards for the first time this year. The awards were presented by Hürriyet board member Vuslat Doğan Sabancı to six Turkish stars.
Engin Akyürek, who is well-known in the Middle East and the Balkans for his role in “Fatmagül’ün Suçu Ne?,” expressed his gratitude for the award.
“If we have had any contribution to [Turkish culture and tourism], that makes us happy. It has been a wonderful journey. I hope we can continue this journey,” said Akyürek.
Songül Öden, who has starred in several TV series, including “Gümüş,” said that acting has opened up an international door for them, as she accepted her award.
Kenan İmirzalioğlu, Erkan Petekkaya, Cansu Dere and Tuba Büyüküstün received the Miracle Makers award in a ceremony held at Istanbul’s Zorlu Center PSM, awarding the best in Turkey’s television and music world.
The award winners were selected with votes by the readers of daily Hürriyet and the ceremony was broadcast live on Kanal D and CNN Türk.
The ceremony, presented by actor Cem Davran and actress Ayça Ayşin Turan, opened with a performance by internationally acclaimed pop singer Tarkan and continued with the presentation of the awards.
The award for Best TV Drama went to the historical series “Vatanım Sensin,” Best Actress went to Aslı Enver for her role in the Star TV drama “İstanbullu Gelin” and Best Actor went to Tolga Sarıtaş. Beren Gökyıldız received the award for Best Child Actress.
Ali İhsan Varol, who presents a popular game show on Teve2 called “Kelime Oyunu,” received the award for Best Male Presenter, legendary singer Sezen Aksu received the award for Best Turkish Female Pop Singer and Tarkan was awarded Best Turkish Male Pop Singer.
Aksu, who could not be present at the ceremony, connected to the event via video conference to accept her award, saying she was proud to be chosen by the Turkish people.
Fox TV news presenter Fatih Portakal was chosen Best Anchorman by Hürriyet readers and the award for Best Anchorwoman went to Star TV news presenter Nazlı Çelik.
Meanwhile, three young actresses, Miray Daner, Melisa Şenolsun and Hazal Filiz Küçüköse were presented with the Rising Star award, which is awarded to young talent.
The Turkish music group Mabel Matiz was awarded Best Music Video. Evrim Akın, who presents a popular kids show “Çocuktan Al Haberi” was awarded Best Female Presenter.
Akın said respect for humans should be taught to children first and that discrimination should stop.
