Zahi Hawass Receives the "Statue of Athena" Excellence Award at the Closing of the "Agona" International Festival in Greece

In the presence of the Egyptian Ambassador at the Olympic Hall: The "Agona" International Festival honors Zahi Hawass as the most famous archaeologist in history, screening a documentary on his career.

The world-renowned Egyptian archaeologist, Dr. Zahi Hawass, was awarded the prestigious Excellence Award at the closing ceremony of the "Agona" International Archaeological and Cultural Documentary Film Festival. Held in the Greek capital, Athens, under the auspices of the Greek Ministry of Culture, the honoring ceremony took place at the historic Olympic Musical Hall. The event was attended by Ambassador Omar Amer, Egypt’s Ambassador to Greece, alongside a large gathering of intellectuals, diplomats, filmmakers, and producers from around the world.

The biennial festival, which spanned 13 weeks of screenings and jury deliberations, selected its competing films from among 1,800 submissions worldwide, with only 100 films screened to the public. Among the featured works was an outstanding film about Queen Nefertari, the wife of King Ramses II, produced by South African director Curtis. Additionally, the festival dedicated a special day to celebrate Dr. Zahi Hawass, during which a 10-minute documentary highlighting his life story and monumental archaeological achievements was screened.

The Excellence Award presented to Dr. Zahi Hawass stood out as the festival's highest and most prestigious accolade, taking the form of a statue of the ancient Greek goddess "Athena." While the festival also honored 35 prominent international directors, producers, artists, and photographers, the grand prize was awarded to Hawass in recognition of his status as the most famous archaeologist globally. The jury emphasized that no other scholar in history has reached his level of fame and influence, noting his appearance in over 300 documentaries—including 4 live global broadcasts from the Pyramids, Bahariya Oasis, and Middle Egypt. Through his captivating and charismatic style, he has brought the wonder of the Pharaohs into the homes and hearts of millions across the globe.

In his historic acceptance speech, Dr. Zahi Hawass expressed his profound joy, stating that this award ranks among the most significant recognitions of his career. Hawass remarked that two great civilizations illuminated the world—the Egyptian and the Greek—which were deeply interconnected through prominent historical figures such as Alexander the Great and Queen Cleopatra. He extended a warm invitation to all attendees and the Greek public to visit Egypt, stressing that the country has always been, and will remain, a safe and secure cradle of civilization.

On the sidelines of the festival and in the presence of the Egyptian Ambassador, Dr. Hawass drew extensive Greek and international media coverage. He conducted several press and television interviews, most notably a comprehensive, one-hour feature on Greek State Television hosted by Lina, the capital's most prominent anchor. The interview focused extensively on the behind-the-scenes stories of Egypt's major archaeological discoveries and Hawass’s enduring role in preserving global human heritage.