On May 7, 2025, the prestigious David di Donatello awards celebrated its 70th edition, marking a significant milestone in Italian cinema. The event, held at the iconic Teatro 5 in Cinecittà, was a star-studded affair, showcasing the best of Italian filmmaking from the past year. This year's ceremony was hosted by actress Elena Sofia Ricci and singer Mika, who brought their unique flair to the proceedings.
The night was filled with excitement as the awards were broadcast live on Rai 1 at 21:40, with a special 4K transmission on Rai4K and live coverage on Rai Radio2. Among the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the David Speciale Cinecittà David 70 to renowned director Giuseppe Tornatore, announced by Undersecretary of Culture Lucia Borgonzoni. Tornatore, celebrated for his cinematic masterpieces, expressed his gratitude during the ceremony, stating, "I have filmed many movies here at Cinecittà, including The Legend of 1900. I am very happy and honored to be here, and I thank the Academy of Cinema and the Minister of Culture. Cinecittà and the David are a perfect formula. I am pleased to receive an award that summarizes everything; I would like to dedicate it to all directors working on their first film. You must persevere!"
The event not only recognized Tornatore's contributions but also honored other cinematic talents. Special awards were presented to actress Ornella Muti, who recently celebrated her 70th birthday, and actor Timothée Chalamet. Additionally, director Pupi Avati received the Career Award, further highlighting the diverse talent within the Italian film industry.
This year's ceremony featured 26 David di Donatello awards, voted on by a jury of 1,780 members, including past nominees and winners, as well as journalists and cultural figures. A total of 24 films were nominated, with Berlinguer – La grande ambizione and Parthenope leading the pack with 15 nominations each. Other notable contenders included L’arte della gioia and Vermiglio, which received 14 nominations each, while Gloria and Familia followed with 9 and 8 nominations respectively.
The competition for the coveted Best Film award was fierce, with Berlinguer – La grande ambizione, directed by Andrea Segre, and Parthenope, directed by Paolo Sorrentino, among the frontrunners. In the Best Director category, Sorrentino was expected to take the lead, while the Best Actor and Best Actress categories featured strong candidates such as Elio Germano for Berlinguer – La grande ambizione and Tecla Insolia for L’arte della gioia.
As the ceremony unfolded, the audience was treated to performances and appearances by various celebrities, including actresses Monica Bellucci, Emanuela Fanelli, and Lunetta Savino, as well as actors Giuseppe Fiorello, Claudio Santamaria, and Luca Zingaretti. The evening also promised a special performance by singer Riccardo Cocciante, who was expected to perform his iconic song, "Era già tutto previsto," a hallmark of Paolo Sorrentino's Parthenope.
Among the awards already announced, Anora by Sean Baker received the David for Best International Film, while Diamanti by Ferzan Özpetek was awarded the David dello Spettatore. The anticipation surrounding the event was palpable, with many speculating on the outcomes based on industry whispers and predictions. For instance, Giorgia was rumored to be a strong candidate for the Best Original Song award with her piece from Diamanti.
The David di Donatello awards not only celebrate the achievements of filmmakers but also serve as a reflection of the evolving landscape of Italian cinema. This year’s ceremony was a testament to the resilience and creativity of filmmakers, especially in light of the challenges posed by the pandemic in recent years. The event reinforced the importance of storytelling and the arts in bringing people together, showcasing the rich tapestry of talent within the industry.
As the night drew to a close, the excitement surrounding the awards was evident, with many looking forward to the future of Italian cinema. The David di Donatello awards remain a vital platform for recognizing excellence in film, inspiring both established and emerging filmmakers to continue pushing the boundaries of their craft.
