The 70th edition of the David di Donatello awards took place on May 7, 2025, at Cinecittà in Rome, marking a significant celebration of Italian cinema. The ceremony was hosted by the popular singer and television personality Mika, alongside actress Elena Sofia Ricci. This year, they took over from Carlo Conti, who had hosted the awards for seven consecutive years before stepping down due to a busy schedule.
Mika, whose real name is Michael Holbrook Penniman Jr., was born on August 18, 1983, in Beirut, Lebanon. He moved to Paris with his family in 1984 due to the Lebanese civil war and later settled in London. His rise to fame began at the age of 23 when he gained popularity on MySpace, leading to the release of his hit single "Grace Kelly." Over the years, Mika has released several successful albums, including "Life in Cartoon Motion" and "The Boy Who Knew Too Much," and has become a beloved figure in the Italian entertainment industry.
This year’s ceremony was particularly notable, as it celebrated not only the achievements of filmmakers and actors but also marked 70 years of the David di Donatello awards. Mika expressed his joy at being part of such a historic event, stating, "I am happy to pay tribute to 70 years of cinema. I have tried to honor it with poetry. If anxiety doesn’t win, my usual cheerfulness will be there."
The ceremony featured a range of awards, with films "Berlinguer – La grande ambizione" and "Parthenope" leading the nominations with 15 each. Both films competed for major categories, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Actor. Among the winners announced during the event, Margherita Vicario received the award for Best Directorial Debut for her film "Gloria!"
Massimo Cantini Parrini won the award for Best Costume Designer for his work in "Le Deluge - Gli ultimi giorni di Maria Antonietta." Meanwhile, Valeria Golino, Francesca Marciano, Valia Santella, Luca Infascelli, and Stefano Sardo were awarded for Best Non-Original Screenplay for "L'arte della gioia." This recognition highlights the importance of storytelling in Italian cinema, showcasing the talents of both established and emerging filmmakers.
One of the most emotional moments of the night came when Francesco Di Leva won Best Supporting Actor for his role in "Familia." He dedicated his award to friendship, stating, "I knew I would win; my daughter dreamed it. Love, I love you. I adore Francesco Stabile, the director, who gave me an incredible character. This story teaches us how to be fathers."
Timothée Chalamet also made headlines at the event, as he received a Special Award and made his red carpet debut with girlfriend Kylie Jenner. Chalamet's presence added a touch of Hollywood glamour to the evening, which was already filled with Italian stars and filmmakers.
In another highlight of the ceremony, Valeria Bruni Tedeschi won Best Supporting Actress for her role in "L'arte della gioia," marking her fifth David win. She expressed her gratitude, saying, "I think I had the courage to play a character a bit older than me. I thank Valeria Golino, and I hope we will spend our lives together. I thank Maurizio Fazzini, who aged me with a lot of work."
The awards also recognized the contributions of legendary filmmaker Pupi Avati, who received the David alla Carriera for his extensive work in the film industry. Avati spoke candidly about the current state of Italian cinema, stating, "Italian cinema is in red code; it’s facing a terrible moment. Until we establish an agency or a ministry of cinema like in France, we won’t save it." His comments resonated with many in the industry, highlighting ongoing challenges that filmmakers face.
As the evening progressed, the audience was treated to a performance by Mika, who sang "We Are Golden," adding a celebratory atmosphere to the event. The night also featured a special tribute to Eleonora Giorgi, with Elena Sofia Ricci dedicating a moment to honor the actress’s contributions to cinema.
In addition to the main awards, the ceremony recognized the first edition of the TikTok #DaVedere Awards, where "Il ragazzo dai pantaloni rosa" won two categories, showcasing its impact on the social media platform. The film’s character, Andrea Spezzacatena, became an emblem of resilience against cyberbullying, resonating strongly with the TikTok community.
As the ceremony came to a close, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and optimism for the future of Italian cinema. The David di Donatello awards continue to represent a beacon of hope and recognition for filmmakers, actors, and all those involved in the creative arts, even amidst the challenges facing the industry today.
Overall, the 70th edition of the David di Donatello awards was a night to remember, celebrating the rich tapestry of Italian cinema and the talented individuals who bring stories to life on screen. With Mika and Elena Sofia Ricci at the helm, the event was both a tribute to the past and a look forward to the future of film in Italy.
