The 70th edition of the David di Donatello awards unfolded in a spectacular fashion at Teatro 5 of Cinecittà on May 7, 2025, celebrating the pinnacle of Italian cinema. The ceremony, hosted by renowned personalities Elena Sofia Ricci and Mika, showcased the best films released in Italy between January 1 and December 31, 2024. This year’s event not only highlighted exceptional films but also honored significant contributions to the industry.
One of the standout moments of the evening was the presentation of the Premio Speciale Cinecittà David 70 to acclaimed director Giuseppe Tornatore, who expressed his heartfelt gratitude while dedicating the award to emerging filmmakers. "I want to dedicate this award to all the directors and filmmakers working on their first film: resist and insist!" Tornatore passionately declared after receiving the accolade from actress Monica Bellucci. He reflected on his deep connection to Cinecittà, recalling, "I shot two entire films here, and during the post-production of 'La leggenda del pianista sull’Oceano,' I lived here day and night for two months. I feel at home here."
The night was marked by multiple recognitions, with Maura Delpero’s film "Vermiglio" taking home the prestigious award for Best Film. Delpero also won Best Director for her outstanding work on the film, which has been celebrated for its artistic merit and storytelling. The film's success was a testament to the evolving landscape of Italian cinema, showcasing the talent and creativity that continues to emerge from the industry.
In addition to Delpero's triumph, the awards recognized a diverse range of talent in various categories. Elio Germano won Best Actor for his role in "Berlinguer. La grande ambizione," while Tecla Insolia received the Best Actress award for her performance in "L'arte della gioia." The Best Supporting Actor award went to Francesco Di Leva for his work in "Familia," and Valeria Bruni Tedeschi was honored as Best Supporting Actress for her role in "L'arte della gioia." This diverse range of winners highlighted the depth of talent present in contemporary Italian cinema.
Timothée Chalamet, the Hollywood star, also graced the event, receiving a David Speciale. He made a memorable appearance on the red carpet alongside his girlfriend, Kylie Jenner, drawing significant attention from fans and media alike. Chalamet’s presence added an international flair to the ceremony, bridging the gap between Italian and global cinema.
The event was not without its poignant moments. Pupi Avati, a veteran director, received the David alla Carriera and took the opportunity to address the current challenges facing the Italian film industry. He called on politicians to provide support, emphasizing the importance of nurturing the arts during difficult times. Avati's remarks resonated with many in the audience, underscoring the collective responsibility to safeguard the future of cinema in Italy.
As the evening progressed, the audience was treated to a showcase of the nominated films, which included a mix of genres and styles. "Anora," directed by Sean Baker, was awarded the David as Best International Film, further solidifying its status following its success at the Oscars. The ceremony also honored the film "Diamanti" by Ferzan Özpetek with the David dello Spettatore, a recognition based on audience votes, highlighting the films that resonated most with viewers.
The David di Donatello awards have long been a beacon for Italian cinema, celebrating not only the artistic achievements but also the cultural impact of film. This year's ceremony, with its rich tapestry of winners and heartfelt speeches, reinforced the significance of storytelling in both the national and international contexts. The awards serve as a reminder of the power of cinema to inspire, challenge, and connect people across generations.
Among the other winners were notable films and performances that showcased the breadth of talent in the industry. The complete list of winners included:
- Best Film: Vermiglio
- Best Director: Maura Delpero, Vermiglio
- 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 Original Screenplay: Vermiglio
- Best International Film: Anora
- Best Documentary: Lirica Ucraina
The event concluded with a sense of optimism for the future of Italian cinema, as filmmakers, actors, and fans came together to celebrate their shared passion. As Giuseppe Tornatore aptly put it, the evening was a reminder of the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges, encouraging new voices to continue their creative journeys. In a world where stories matter more than ever, the David di Donatello awards reaffirmed the enduring power of film to reflect society, provoke thought, and inspire change.
