Alexandra Borbély
Born September 4, 1986 in Nitra, Czechoslovakia • Next birthday: September 4, 2026
September 4, 1986
Nitra, Czechoslovakia1
1 likesSeptember 4, 2026
323 days out21
Total visitsIn an era defined by cross-border cultural resurgence in Central Europe, Alexandra Borbély emerged as a force that completely redefined European acting. Born into a Hungarian minority family in what was then Czechoslovakia, she grew up bilingual in a small village near Nitra. From early tours of regional theatres with her mother, she nurtured a vision of performance that blended personal identity and artistic rigor.
Her early ambitions met harsh friction: rejected at Bratislava's Academy of Performing Arts, she pivoted to Budapest and studied at the University of Theatre and Film Arts, graduating in 2012. Looking back, that transition proved critical because it forced her to deepen resilience while rethinking the bridge between two cultural worlds. At the Katona József Theatre she embraced demanding roles-murderers, outsiders, marginalized souls-and used each iterative character to probe her own thresholds.
Her breakthrough came through On Body and Soul (2017), where the director reimagined casting mid-process. She transformed the role of Mária through painstaking rehearsal, even inventing the character's walk from a high school classmate's gait. That creative process-turning initial miscasting into a defining triumph-became her signature approach. Critics hailed her with the European Film Award for Best Actress, and the film itself won the Golden Bear at Berlinale. Yet she didn't rest on that laureate moment.
She continued through cycles of reinvention, moving between Hungarian, Slovak, and Czech co-productions and uneasy genre shifts. Each new work showed her turning moments of isolation-linguistic boundary, casting doubts-into source material. As she experiments with ambition in films like The Hungarian Dressmaker and stage cycles in Budapest, her presence stretches what theatre and cinema can claim in this region.
Her story stands as a timeless reminder that true innovation often begins with resilience, unwavering belief, and a willingness to challenge.
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Career & Achievements
- On Body and Soul
- Swing
- The Hungarian Dressmaker
- Jászai Mari Prize
- Hungarian Film Award for Best Actress
- European Film Award for Best Actress
- Sun in a Net Award for Best Actress in Leading Role
- European Film Award for Best Actress
Personal Details
Latest News
Szegedify
Alexandra Borbély Named Jury Member at Zsigmond Vilmos Festival 2025
Organizers announced on 2025-05-26 that Alexandra Borbély will serve on the professional jury for the Zsigmond Vilmos International Film Festival. The edition features 29 competition films from 52 countries, and her participation is expected to raise the festival's profile. Her presence as a jury member underlines her standing in Central European film circles.
DailyNewsHungary
Borbély to Judge at Budapest International Documentary Festival
On 2025-01-13, the organizers of BIDF 2025 confirmed that Alexandra Borbély will join their international jury alongside filmmakers and critics. The festival runs January 25 to February 2 across multiple Hungarian cities and for the first time includes a national audience award.
CampFilm
The Hungarian Dressmaker Nominated by Slovakia for Oscar Entry
On 2024-09-18, Alexandra Borbély's film The Hungarian Dressmaker was officially chosen as Slovakia's entry in the Best International Feature Film Oscar race. The film premiered at Karlovy Vary and is a Slovak-Czech-Hungarian coproduction.
Zsigmond Vilmos Film Festival
Borbély Joins Jury of 2025 Zsigmond Vilmos Festival (site listing)
As listed on the festival's official site, Alexandra Borbély is on the jury roster for the 2025 Zsigmond Vilmos Film Festival. The listing mentions her past work and position in the Katona József Theatre company.
FAQ
Who is Alexandra Borbély?
Alexandra Borbély is a Slovak-Hungarian actress known for her acclaimed performance in the film On Body and Soul. She is widely recognized for her nuanced portrayals of complex characters in both theatre and cinema. Her work spans Slovakia, Hungary, and Central Europe.
What is Alexandra Borbély best known for?
She is best known for her leading role in the 2017 film On Body and Soul, which won the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival. Her performance earned her the European Film Award for Best Actress, marking a breakthrough in her international career.
Where was Alexandra Borbély born?
She was born on September 4, 1986, in Nitra, then part of Czechoslovakia. Raised in a Hungarian minority family, her bilingual background shaped her artistic identity and cross-cultural understanding.
What are Alexandra Borbély's notable works?
Her most notable works include On Body and Soul, Swing, and The Hungarian Dressmaker. She has also built a strong theatre career with performances at the Katona József Theatre in Budapest.
Which awards has Alexandra Borbély won?
She won the European Film Award for Best Actress for her performance in On Body and Soul. The film itself received the Golden Bear at the Berlinale, solidifying her place among Europe's leading performers.
What is Alexandra Borbély's acting style?
Her acting style is characterized by emotional precision and deep psychological realism. She often portrays isolated or misunderstood individuals, bringing sensitivity and intensity to her roles.
Where did Alexandra Borbély study acting?
After being rejected by the Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava, she studied at the University of Theatre and Film Arts in Budapest, graduating in 2012. This period was pivotal in shaping her professional discipline and artistic resilience.
What languages does Alexandra Borbély speak?
She speaks both Slovak and Hungarian fluently, a skill that enables her to work across different cultural and linguistic environments in Central Europe.
Is Alexandra Borbély active in theatre as well as film?
Yes, she maintains an active stage career, particularly with the Katona József Theatre in Budapest. Her theatre work is known for its depth, intensity, and exploration of complex human emotions.
What impact has Alexandra Borbély had on European cinema?
Her work has helped redefine female representation in Central European cinema, bringing greater attention to Slovak and Hungarian film artistry. She continues to inspire a new generation of actors through her integrity and innovative performances.
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