Organized by the Vietnam News Agency’s The Thao & Van Hoa (Culture & Sports) newspaper, the prestigious awards were presented at a ceremony in Hanoi on the evening of October 3.

Among the distinguished attendees were Le Quoc Minh, Chairman of the Vietnam Journalists Association and Editor-in-Chief of Nhan Dan (People) Newspaper, and Vu Viet Trang, General Director of the Vietnam News Agency.

The 76-year-old Hanoi-born musician, a trailblazer in Vietnamese music, is celebrated for his free-spirited and improvisational approach across genres like jazz, country, rock, hip-hop, and rap. Affectionately dubbed “The King of Vietnamese Pop” by his peers, his compositions transcend boundaries.

In his music, Hanoi is not merely a city or the nation’s capital; it is a living tapestry of childhood memories in the Old Quarter, a flowing river of Northern folk culture, and a vibrant portrayal of everyday streets and the rustic charm of the Doai Region countryside.

Together, the Red River, the Old Quarter, and the Doai Region form a cultural triangle that is both historical and symbolic. Through this lens, Hanoi in Tran Tien’s music becomes more than a geographical location—it transforms into an expansive cultural space, pulsating with life and deeply rooted in the Vietnamese spirit.

His songs enrich Vietnam’s musical heritage, elevating Hanoi to a cultural icon deeply embedded in the spiritual fabric of the Vietnamese people.

In addition to the Grand Prize, the organizers honored Pham Binh Chuong’s series of Hanoi paintings and the Youth Theatre of Vietnam’s musical production, Lua Dat (Fire from the Earth), with the Work Award.

The Award for Good Deeds was bestowed upon the construction and inauguration of the Vietnam Exhibition Centre (VEC), while the Idea Award recognized the visionary project to build the Hanoi Opera House and a cultural and art park in Quang An, Tay Ho.

The “Bui Xuan Phai: For the Love of Hanoi” Awards, established in 2008 by The Thao va Van Hoa and the family of the renowned painter Bui Xuan Phai (1920–1988), celebrate artistic and scientific contributions that reflect a profound love for Hanoi. To date, over 160 authors, works, ideas, and initiatives have been nominated, with more than 70 awards presented.

Last year, the Grand Prize honored architect Prof. Dr. Hoang Dao Kinh for his significant contributions to restoring cultural and architectural landmarks across Vietnam, particularly in Hanoi.

Bui Xuan Phai – Love for Hanoi Awards Winners Announced

The winners of the 12th “Bui Xuan Phai: For Love of Hanoi” Awards were revealed at a ceremony in Hanoi on August 27.