Italian Cinema Shines At 70th David Di Donatello Awards

The 70th edition of the David di Donatello awards, a prestigious event in Italian cinema, took place on May 7, 2025, at the iconic Teatro 5 in Cinecittà. This year, the ceremony was hosted by the dynamic duo of Elena Sofia Ricci and Mika, who brought their unique flair to the event. The awards were broadcast live on Rai 1 starting at 21:40, as well as on Rai Radio 2 and via streaming on RaiPlay.

Leading the nominations were two films, "Berlinguer – La grande ambizione" by Andrea Segre and "Parthenope" by Paolo Sorrentino, each receiving an impressive 15 nominations. Following closely was "L’arte della gioia" by Valeria Golino with 14 nominations, and "Vermiglio" by Maura Delpero, which also garnered significant attention after winning the Grand Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival.

The evening began with an institutional ceremony at the Quirinale, where Italian President Sergio Mattarella welcomed the nominees. The event was marked by humor from host Geppi Cucciari and the presence of Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli. This prelude set a celebratory tone for the main event that followed in the evening.

During the ceremony, 26 David di Donatello awards were presented, alongside special awards. Notable winners included Francesco Di Leva, who won Best Supporting Actor for his role in "Familia," and Valeria Bruni Tedeschi, awarded Best Supporting Actress for "L’arte della gioia." The David dello Spettatore, which recognizes audience favorites, was awarded to "Diamanti" by Ferzan Özpetek.

In addition to the competitive categories, Pupi Avati received the Lifetime Achievement Award, while Timothée Chalamet was honored with a David Special award, highlighting his contributions to cinema. The night also featured a musical performance by renowned artist Riccardo Cocciante, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The awards ceremony not only celebrated the best of Italian cinema from the past year but also recognized the efforts of female directors, with 31 films directed by women among the 154 feature-length fiction films submitted. The event highlighted the growing representation of women in the industry, showcasing the diverse voices shaping contemporary Italian cinema.

Among the awards, the Best Film category saw fierce competition. "Berlinguer – La grande ambizione" emerged as the frontrunner, favored to win with odds of 1.70, followed by "Parthenope" at 4.80 and "Vermiglio" at 6.00. In the Best Director category, Paolo Sorrentino was favored with odds of 1.67, closely followed by Andrea Segre at 3.00.

Elio Germano was the favorite for Best Actor, with odds of 1.12 for his role in "Berlinguer – La grande ambizione," while Tecla Insolia led the Best Actress race with odds of 2.05 for her performance in "L’arte della gioia." The competition in the acting categories was tight, reflecting the high caliber of performances this year.

As the night progressed, the audience was treated to heartfelt acceptance speeches. Valeria Bruni Tedeschi, upon winning her award, expressed gratitude to her collaborators and reflected on the courage it takes for an actress to portray older characters. Meanwhile, Francesco Di Leva dedicated his award to his family, emphasizing the importance of support in the challenging world of acting.

The David di Donatello awards ceremony is not just a celebration of artistic achievements; it also serves as a barometer for the health of the Italian film industry. Pupi Avati, during his acceptance speech, voiced concerns about the current state of Italian cinema, stating, "The Italian cinema is in code red; it is experiencing a terrible moment, and until we establish a dedicated agency or ministry for cinema like in France, we won’t save it." His remarks resonated with many in attendance, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by filmmakers.

Throughout the evening, the glamour of the event was palpable, with celebrities gracing the red carpet. Timothée Chalamet made headlines not only for his award but also for his appearance alongside his girlfriend, Kylie Jenner, marking a significant moment in their relationship as they attended the prestigious event together.

As the ceremony wrapped up, the winners were celebrated, and the contributions of all nominees were acknowledged. The David di Donatello awards continue to be a vital part of Italian culture, honoring the creativity and resilience of filmmakers in a challenging industry.

The complete list of winners included:

• Best Film: Berlinguer – La grande ambizione


• Best Director: Andrea Segre, Berlinguer – La grande ambizione


• Best Actress: Tecla Insolia, L’arte della gioia


• Best Actor: Elio Germano, Berlinguer – La grande ambizione


• Best Supporting Actress: Valeria Bruni Tedeschi, L’arte della gioia


• Best Supporting Actor: Francesco Di Leva, Familia


• Best International Film: Anora, Sean Baker


• David dello Spettatore: Diamanti, Ferzan Özpetek


• Lifetime Achievement Award: Pupi Avati


• David Special Award: Timothée Chalamet

The 70th David di Donatello awards ceremony was a resounding success, celebrating the rich tapestry of Italian cinema and setting the stage for future generations of filmmakers.