Ambassador Presents Jan Karski Freedom Award to Agnieszka Holland

5 June 2012

Agnieszka Holland, after receiving the Jan Karski Freedom Award

Ambassador Feinstein speaking with Agnieszka Holland at the Jan Karski Freedom Award ceremony in her honor

On June 4, Ambassador Feinstein hosted a star-studded reception at his residence on behalf of Academy Award nominated director Agnieszka Holland. Ms. Holland is the recipient of the U.S. Embassy’s 2012 edition of the Jan Karski Freedom Award, which recognizes a Pole who has made outstanding political or social contributions on behalf of democracy and human rights.

Sławomir Sierakowski delivered a laudation, while Ambassador Feinstein highlighted Holland’s ability to portray morally complex characters in Danton and W Ciemności. Receiving the award, Ms. Holland paid tribute to Jan Karski’s legacy and influence on her own work.

The audience consisted of leading lights from across culture and politics, including Andrzej Wajda, Agnieszka Grochowska, Andrzej Seweryn, Janusz Głowacki, Kayah, Ryszard Horowitz, Speaker of the Senate Bogdan Borusewicz, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee Wlodzimierz Cimoszewicz, Ewa Wierzynska of the Museum of Polish History, Wanda Urbanska of the Jan Karski Centennial Campaign, and Kaya Mirecka-Ploss, a close personal and professional associate of the late Jan Karski.