Meelis Oidsalu, a prominent theater critic, freelance journalist, and security expert, received the distinguished Opinion Leader of the Year title from Postimees, highlighting his significant contributions in various fields. Upon receiving the award, he expressed gratitude but also shared mixed feelings about the title, suggesting that the term 'leader' can carry elitist connotations and may overshadow the essence of opinion itself. He described the awarding ceremony as a corporate promotional strategy by Postimees, cleverly using prestige to draw attention.

Before the award ceremony, Oidsalu met in a café in Tallinn’s Old Town, where he reflected on the importance of supporting the artistic community, particularly in light of recent funding challenges faced by theaters. He articulated a personal connection to these issues, indicating his involvement not only as a critic but also as someone genuinely concerned about the future of the arts in Estonia. Oidsalu's thoughtful engagement with his community demonstrates a commitment to advocating for those in need while addressing broader systemic problems in the cultural sector.

Overall, this recognition, alongside Oidsalu's candid reflections, opens a discussion about the role of public intellectuals and cultural leaders in Estonia. It raises questions about the nature of leadership, the responsibilities that come with being an opinion leader, and the potential pitfalls of being placed on a pedestal. Oidsalu's perspective encourages a more profound consideration of what it means to influence public discourse and support cultural integrity.