On May 7, 2025, the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella welcomed the nominees for the prestigious David di Donatello awards at the Quirinale, marking a significant tradition in celebrating the excellence of the Italian film industry. The event, held in the historic setting of the presidential palace, serves not only as a recognition of artistic achievement but also as a moment to reflect on the cultural impact of cinema in Italy.
Among the attendees were notable figures such as Tecla Insolia, who garnered nominations for Best Actress for her role in L’arte della gioia and Best Supporting Actress for Familia. The young actress has emerged as a prominent talent in the industry, demonstrating her versatility and depth as a performer. "This is an emotional moment for me, and I dedicate my nominations to Goliarda Sapienza," said Valeria Golino, the director of L’arte della gioia, highlighting her connection to the literary figure who inspired the film.
Ferzan Özpetek, an acclaimed director, also attended, celebrating his film Diamanti, which received the David dello Spettatore and nominations for Best Supporting Actress for Geppi Cucciari and Best Original Song. Özpetek expressed his gratitude, stating, "This award is the most important of my 27-year career, and it reflects the strong reception this film has received."
The event showcased a total of 154 films submitted for consideration, including 31 directed by women and 47 first works, illustrating the diversity and richness of contemporary Italian cinema. Notably, Berlinguer - La grande ambizione and Parthenope each received 15 nominations, while L’arte della gioia and Vermiglio followed closely with 14 nominations each.
During the press conference preceding the ceremony, President Mattarella emphasized the significance of cinema in shaping Italian identity and culture. He remarked, "Cinema is a vital organ of our communities. It has contributed to telling our history, interpreting it, and forming a common language. It is essential for the culture, society, economy, and image of Italy." His words resonated with the audience, reinforcing the importance of the film industry in the national narrative.
The 70th edition of the David di Donatello awards will be hosted by Elena Sofia Ricci and the singer Mika, broadcasting live on Rai 1 starting at 21:40. The ceremony will also be available in 4K on Rai4K and streaming on RaiPlay, allowing a broader audience to engage with this celebration of Italian cinema.
Among the special awards, Pupi Avati will receive the Career Award, while Timothée Chalamet and Ornella Muti will be honored with David Special awards. Giuseppe Tornatore will receive the Premio Speciale Cinecittà David 70, further highlighting the contributions of these figures to the cinematic landscape.
As the nominees gathered at the Quirinale, the atmosphere was filled with anticipation and excitement. Celeste Dalla Porta, nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Parthenope, shared her thoughts on the experience, stating, "It has been the most beautiful and empowering journey of my life. I am grateful for this recognition, but it is the journey that truly matters to me."
The ceremony will not only award the best films and performances but also serve as a platform to discuss the future of Italian cinema. With 21 main awards up for grabs, including categories for Best Film, Best Director, and Best Screenplay, the competition is fierce, and the stakes are high.
In addition to the awards, the event will feature appearances from prominent figures in the film industry, including Oscar-winning director Sean Baker and producer Samantha Quan, along with beloved Italian actors such as Monica Bellucci and Luca Zingaretti. Their presence adds a layer of prestige to the evening, celebrating the artistic community's collective achievements.
As the night unfolds, the Quirinale will transform into a vibrant celebration of cinematic artistry, honoring the past while looking forward to the future of film in Italy. The David di Donatello awards remain a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Italian film industry, echoing the sentiments of President Mattarella: "We must reflect on the open issues and find solutions to help cinema overcome its difficulties."
With the excitement building and the nominees ready to take the stage, the 70th edition of the David di Donatello awards promises to be a night to remember, celebrating not just the winners but the entire spectrum of talent that defines Italian cinema today.
