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On Wednesday, May 6, Rai 1 aired the 71st edition of the David di Donatello Awards. A total of 29 Italian films received at least one nomination this year. The ceremony, hosted by Flavio Insinna and Bianca Balti, took place at Teatro 23 of the Cinecittà Studios in Rome .The most awarded film of the evening was Le città di pianura by Francesco Sossai, which won eight David awards. Primavera by Damiano Michieletto received four awards, followed by La città proibita by Gabriele Mainetti with three recognitions. The films Gioia mia by Margherita Spampinato and Le assaggiatrici by Silvio Soldini each received two David awards.The award for Best International Film went to Una battaglia dopo l'altra by Paul Thomas Anderson.
Director and screenwriter Gianni Amelio received the Lifetime Achievement David Award, while animator and director Bruno Bozzetto and cinematographer Vittorio Storaro were honored with Special David Awards. During the ceremony, Ornella Muti also collected the Special Lifetime Achievement David Award that had been assigned to her in the previous edition.Leading the nominations was Le città di pianura with 16 nominations, followed by La grazia with 14 and Le assaggiatrici with 13. Duse, Fuori, and La città proibita also achieved significant results, each receiving eight nominations.
The David di Donatello is the highest and most prestigious recognition in the Italian film industry. Often referred to as the Italian equivalent of the Oscars, the award celebrates excellence in cinema and honors the best achievements in filmmaking each year. Established in 1955, the David di Donatello awards are organized by the Accademia del Cinema Italiano and recognize outstanding work in categories such as Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor and Actress, screenplay, cinematography, and technical achievements. The name “David” comes from the famous Renaissance sculpture David by Donatello, one of Italy’s greatest artists. The trophy itself is a miniature reproduction of the statue, symbolizing artistic excellence and Italian cultural heritage.
