The entity runs the country’s equivalent of the Oscars Martin Scorsese is set to be appointed honorary president of the David di Donatello Academy of Italian cinema, the entity that runs Italy’s equivalent of the Oscars. Scorsese’s appointment to the government-run entity follows that of Gianluca Farinelli, head of Italy’s venerable Il Cinema Ritrovato festival dedicated to cinematic treasures of the past, as the David di Donatello Awards‘ artistic director. In a statement addressed to Italy’s Minister of Culture, Alessandro Giuli, Scorsese expressed gratitude “for considering me for this prestigious position, which I am honored to accept.” “Italian cinema has been a constant source of inspiration throughout my life,” Scorsese added.
Being associated, in this capacity, with the Academy and the David di Donatello Awards is particularly meaningful to me.” He continued, “I will be honored to support the Academy’s commitment to the international promotion of Italian cinema and film culture, and to contribute to its cultural initiatives and activities.” Italian culture minister Giuli said he had proposed Scorsese’s honorary presidency “because few filmmakers embody the profound connection between the great Italian tradition and the history of cinema like him,” adding: “His willingness to accept represents an extraordinary recognition for our cinema and for Italy, the land of his origins. The words he addressed to me and the Fondazione Accademia del Cinema Italiano are a tribute to our masters and to the cinematic culture that helped shape his vision. I am particularly pleased that he has accepted the proposal and, in full compliance with the Foundation’s prerogatives, I await the board of directors’ resolution.” The David di Donatello Academy now has to approve Scorsese’s appointment, but that is a mere formality.
Farinelli, who is also founder and chief of the Bologna Film Archives and its film restoration lab — and a very well-connected and respected film personality on the international industry and festival circuit — will be partly replacing film journalist Piera Detassis, who in 2018 became the first woman to head the awards. Detassis stepped down after her mandate formally expired. The difference is that Detassis, who was also a former Rome Film Festival artistic director, held a dual role of president of the David di Donatello Academy of Italian cinema as well as the event’s artistic director.
Those roles have now been split. Farinelli is in charge of the awards and Silvia Calandrelli, who is a high-ranking executive at Italy’s state broadcaster RAI, holds the more ceremonial role as the Italian academy’s president. Following the appointment of Calandrelli as David di Donatello Academy president, Farinelli as artistic director and Scorsese as honorary president, the entity will continue “the process of renewing the Foundation’s governance, which will be completed with the appointment of its artistic steering committee,” the statement said.
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