ITALY / The winners of the David di Donatello Awards

On April 18^th, in Rome’s Studi de Paolis, the 61st Italian film awards ceremony honoured three films in particular with the much-prized David di Donatello.

“Tale of tales” by Matteo Garrone and “Lo chiamavano Jeeg Robot” by first-time director Gabriele Mainetti, both won seven awards. The first won the David di Donatello for Best Director and the majority of the technical awards: Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Costumes, Make-up, Hair, and Visual Effects.

The second monopolised the more “artistic” awards: Best New Director, Best Actress (Ilenia Pastorelli), Best Actor (Claudio Santamaria), Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Antonia Truppo), Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Luca Marinelli) as well as Best Producer and Best Editing.

Paolo Genovese’s “Perfetti Sconosciuti” left with only two trophies, but both important: Best Film and Best Screenplay.

Paolo Sorrentino’s co-production “Youth” had to be content with Best Music and Best Song.

The Best Documentary award went to Alex Infascelli’s “S is for Stanley”, while Gianfranco Rosi’s “Fuocoammare”, despite four nominations, returned empty-handed.

Lifetime Awards were given to directors Paolo and Vittorio Taviani and to actress Gina Lollobrigida.