On May 7, 2025, the prestigious David di Donatello awards ceremony took place at the Quirinale Palace in Rome, showcasing the best of Italian cinema. The event, hosted by comedian Geppi Cucciari, was marked by humor, sharp commentary, and a critical look at the state of the film industry in Italy.
The ceremony began with a screening of a video produced by Rai Cultura, setting the stage for the announcement of this year’s nominees. Leading the nominations were Andrea Segre’s "Berlinguer-La grande ambizione" and Paolo Sorrentino’s "Parthenope." As the excitement built, it was clear that this year’s awards would not only celebrate cinematic achievements but also address pressing issues within the industry.
Cucciari, known for her wit, did not hold back in her remarks about Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli. She quipped, "Minister, I want to express my solidarity, because many excessively highlight your powerful rhetoric, your eloquent speech, which seems to dissect our formless souls from every angle. In reality, your speeches are crystal clear; you are the only minister whose speeches can even be listened to in reverse, like a Black Sabbath record, and sometimes they improve!"
This playful jab at Giuli set the tone for the evening, blending humor with a critique of the minister’s communication style. Cucciari further remarked that Giuli’s speech would be the most anticipated moment for Google Translate, a comment that drew laughter from the audience.
Giuli, not one to shy away from the banter, responded with a smile, saying, "A greeting to Geppi, whom I could also call 'Ippeg' in reverse, without misunderstandings." This exchange highlighted the light-hearted atmosphere of the event, even amidst serious discussions about the future of Italian cinema.
President Sergio Mattarella was also present at the ceremony, where he received a special David award in recognition of the 70th anniversary of the awards. In his address, he emphasized the vital role cinema plays in Italian culture and society. "Cinema has contributed to writing our history, with emotions, faces, and images etched in our memory," he stated. He urged for the correction of regulatory uncertainties and the need to maintain measures that attract international productions.
Mattarella acknowledged the precarious state of cinema halls, warning of a dangerous erosion that threatens their existence in cities and neighborhoods. He stressed the importance of not succumbing to commercial logic that overlooks cinema's social value as a space for gathering and sharing experiences.
As the ceremony progressed, Cucciari also touched on the ongoing Conclave, humorously noting that the cinema celebrations coincided with such a significant event. She joked, "Today is just another day in Rome, but tomorrow the newspapers will only talk about this!" This clever commentary served to remind attendees of the cultural significance of the awards amidst the backdrop of political events.
In a heartfelt moment, Pupi Avati, at 86 years old and with a remarkable filmography of 55 films, received the David for Lifetime Achievement. Avati humorously recounted his initial skepticism upon being informed of the award, recalling a past experience where he had numerous nominations but left empty-handed. "I’ve come to terms with my age; if I receive another award in twenty years, I’ll be 106!" he joked.
The event was not without its criticisms, as actor Elio Germano voiced his concerns regarding Giuli’s effectiveness as Minister of Culture. Germano stated, "Thank goodness we have President Mattarella because I found it difficult to listen to the representative of our culture, the minister. I would like the minister to engage with the various representatives of our category. Cinema is truly in crisis, and we believe it is largely due to the Ministry of Culture’s responsibility."
Germano further elaborated that the cinema sector needs competent individuals in key positions, stating, "It’s not just arms that increase the country’s GDP. For every euro invested in cinema, 3-4 euros return to the State." His comments underscored the urgency for a more robust support system for the film industry.
The David di Donatello awards ceremony, broadcast live on Rai 1, was a celebration of talent and creativity, but it also served as a platform for addressing the challenges facing Italian cinema today. The combination of humor and serious discourse reflected the resilience of the industry and the commitment of its artists to continue creating meaningful work.
As the night unfolded, the audience was reminded of the rich tradition of storytelling in Italy, a heritage that continues to inspire new generations of filmmakers. Cucciari’s closing remarks encapsulated the spirit of the evening: "It’s a great emotion to return here to the PalaSergio to celebrate a completely Italian tradition of creating beautiful, engaging stories from nothing."
With the awards being presented and the future of cinema discussed, the David di Donatello ceremony once again proved to be a vital event in the cultural calendar, celebrating achievements while confronting the realities of the industry head-on.
