What significant awards did Maura Delpero’s film Vermiglio win at the 70th David Di Donatello awards?
How did Vermiglio perform against its competitors such as Parthenope and The Great Ambition?
What accolades did Timothée Chalamet and Pupi Avati receive during the ceremony?
Which film won the best international film category and who directed it?
Can you summarize the notable winners and their achievements mentioned in the article?
Maura Delpero’s Italian WW2 drama Vermiglio won best film at the 70th David Di Donatello awards, Italy’s version of the Oscars, held at Rome’s historic Cinecittà film studio on Wednesday night. Delpero also took best directing honors en route to a 7-trophy sweep.
The film, which had its world premiere in competition at the Venice Film Festival last year, beat out the two award frontrunners, Paolo Sorrentino’s Parthenope, a sumptuous, occasionally surreal tribute to his hometown of Naples, and Andrea Segre’s The Great Ambition, a political biopic about Italian Communist Party leader Enrico Berlinguer, which led the pack going into the David awards with 15 nominations each. Parthenope went away empty-handed, but The Great Ambition took two awards: Best actor for Elio Germano, who plays Berlinguer, and best editing for Jacopo Quadri.
Tecla Insolia won best actress for her starring role in Nicolangelo Gelormini’s Sicilian period drama L’arte della gioia (The Art of Joy). Francesco Di Leva took best supporting actor for Francesco Costabile’s thriller. The David for best debut feature went to Margherita Vicario for Gloria!, a period drama about an all-female orchestra at a Church-run establishment in early-1800s Italy.
Timothée Chalamet added some Hollywood glam to the awards, attending the ceremony to receive an honorary David for “cinematic excellence.” The lifetime achievement honor went to writer-director Pupi Avati (Giovanna’s Father, Incanto). Oscar-winning director Giuseppe Tornatore (Cinema Paradiso) received a special 70th anniversary David award.
In the best international film category, Sean Baker’s multi-Oscar winner Anora added a David to its trophy case.
Check out the full list of 2025 David Di Donatello winners below.
Best Film
The Great Ambition, dir: Andrea Segre
The Time It Takes, dir: Francesca Comencini
L’arte della gioia prodotto, dir: Valeria Golino
Parthenope, dir: Paolo Sorrentino
Vermiglio, dir: Maura Delpero WINNER
Best Director
Andrea Segre for The Great Ambition
Francesca Comencini for The Time It Takes
Valeria Golino for L’arte della gioia
Paolo Sorrentino for Parthenope
*Maura Delpero for Vermiglio WINNER
Best Directorial Debut
Ciao bambino – Edgardo Pistone
Gloria! – Margherita Vicario WINNER
I bambini di Gaza – Loris Lai
Io e il Secco – Gianluca Santoni
Zamora – Neri Marcorè
Best Original Screenplay
Andrea Segre, Marco Pettenello for The Great Ambition
Enrico Maria Artale for El Paraiso
Margherita Vicario, Anita Rivaroli for Gloria!
Francesca Comencini for The Time It Takes
Paolo Sorrentino for Parthenope
*Maura Delpero for Vermiglio WINNER
Best Adapted Screenplay
Gianni Amelio, Alberto Taraglio for Battlefield
Francesco Costabile, Vittorio Moroni, Adriano Chiarelli for Familia
Roberto Proia for The Boy With Pink Trousers
*Valeria Golino, Francesca Marciano, Valia Santella, Luca Infascelli, Stefano Sardo for L’arte della gioia WINNER
Gabriele Salvatores for Napoli – New York
Best Producer
The Great Ambition: Marta Donzelli, Gregorio Paonessa for Vivo Film, Francesco Bonsembiante for Jolefilm, Rai Cinema, Joseph Rouschop for Tarantula, Martichka Bozhilova for Agitprop
Ciao bambino: Gaetano Di Vaio, Giovanna Crispino for Bronx Film, Alessandro Elia, Walter De Majo for Anemone Film, Andrea Leone, Antonella Di Martino for Mosaicon Film, Santo Versace, Gianluca Curti for Minerva Pictures
Gloria!: Valeria Jamonte, Manuela Melissano, Carlo Cresto-Dina for Tempesta, Rai Cinema, Katrin Renz for Tellfilm
Vermiglio: Francesca Andreoli, Leonardo Guerra Seràgnoli, Santiago Fondevila Sancet, Maura Delpero for Cinedora, Rai Cinema, Charades (coproduction with France), Versus (coproduction with Belgium) WINNER
Vittoria: Nanni Moretti, Lorenzo Cioffi, Giorgio Giampà, in collaboration with Alessandra Stefani
Best Actress
Barbara Ronchi for Familia
Romana Maggiora Vergano for The Time It Takes
*Tecla Insolia for L’arte della gioia WINNER
Celeste Dalla Porta for Parthenope
Martina Scrinzi for Vermiglio
Best Actor
*Elio Germano for The Great Ambition WINNER
Francesco Gheghi for Familia
Fabrizio Gifuni for Il tempo che ci vuole
Silvio Orlando for Parthenope
Tommaso Ragno for Vermiglio
Best Supporting Actress
Geppi Cucciari for Diamanti
Tecla Insolia for Familia
*Valeria Bruni Tedeschi for L’arte della gioia WINNER
Jasmine Trinca for L’arte della gioia
Luisa Ranieri for Parthenope
Best Supporting Actor
Roberto Citran for The Great Ambition
*Francesco Di Leva for Familia WINNER
Guido Caprino for L’arte della gioia
Pierfrancesco Favino for Napoli – New York
Peppe Lanzetta for Parthenope
Best Casting
Stefania De Santis for The Great Ambition
Anna Pennella for Familia
Massimo Appolloni for Gloria!
Francesco Vedovati, Anna Maria Sambucco, Massimo Appolloni for L’arte della gioia
*Stefania Rodà, Maurilio Mangano for Vermiglio WINNER
Best Cinematography
Luan Amelio Ujkaj for Battlefield
Matteo Cocco for Dostoevskij
Daniele Ciprì for Hey Joe
Fabio Cianchetti for L’arte della gioia
Daria D’Antonio for Parthenope
*Mikhail Krichman for Vermiglio WINNER
Best Score
Iosonouncane for The Great Ambition
Thom Yorke for Trust
*Margherita Vicario, Davide Pavanello for Gloria! WINNER
Colapesce for Sicilian Letters
Nicola Piovani for The Children’s Train
Best Original Song
“Knife Edge” – Music, Thom Yorke text and interpretation, for Trust
“Diamanti” – Music Giuliano Taviani, Carmelo Travia, text Giorgia Todrani, interpretation Giorgia for Diamanti
“Atoms” – Music and text Valerio Vigliar, interpretation Greta Zuccoli for Familia
*“Aria!” – Music and text Margherita Vicario, Davide Pavanello, Edwyn Clark Roberts, Andrea Bonomo, Gianluigi Fazio, interpretation Margherita Vicario for Gloria! WINNER
“La malvagità” – Music and text Colapesce for The Sicilian Letters
Best Production Design
Alessandro Vannucci, Laura Casalini for The Great Ambition
Luca Merlini, Giulietta Rimoldi for L’arte della gioia
*Tonino Zera, Maria Grazia Schirripa, Carlotta Desmann for The Flood WINNER
Carmine Guarino, Iole Autero for Parthenope
Pirra, Vito Giuseppe Zito, Sara Pergher for Vermiglio
Best Costume
Mary Montalto for Gloria!
Maria Rita Barbera for L’arte della gioia
*Massimo Cantini Parrini for The Flood WINNER
Carlo Poggioli for Parthenope
Andrea Cavalletto for Vermiglio
Best Makeup
Sara Morlando, Rossella Sicignano, Leonardo Cruciano, Viola Moneta for The Great Ambition
Maurizio Fazzini for L’arte della gioia
*Alessandra Vita, Valentina Visintin for The Flood WINNER
Paola Gattabrusi, Lorenzo Tamburini for Parthenope
Frédérique Foglia for Vermiglio
Best Hair
Desiree Corridoni for The Great Ambition
Marta Iacoponi, Carla Indoni for Gloria!
*Aldo Signoretti, Domingo Santoro for The Flood WINNER
Marco Perna for Parthenope
Tiziana Argiolas for Vermiglio
Best Editing
*Jacopo Quadri for The Great Ambition WINNER
Walter Fasano for Dostoevskij
Giogiò Franchini for L’arte della gioia
Cristiano Travaglioli for Parthenope
Luca Mattei for Vermiglio
Best Sound
Alessandro Palmerini, Marc Bastien, Vincent Grégorio, Franco Piscopo for The Great Ambition
Emanuele Cicconi, Alessandro Feletti, Alessandro Giacco, Marco Falloni for Battlefield
Xavier Lavorel, Daniela Bassani, François Wolf, Maxence Ciekawy for Gloria!
Emanuele Cecere, Silvia Moraes, Mirko Perri, Michele Mazzucco for Parthenope
*Dana Farzanehpour, Hervé Guyader, Hervé Guyader, Emmanuel De Boissieu for Vermiglio WINNER
Best Visual Effects
Tristan Lilien, Michel Denis for The Great Ambition
Francesco Niolu, Rodolfo Migliari for L’arte della gioia
Fabio Tomassetti, Daniele Tomassetti for Limonov
*Victor Perez for Napoli – New York WINNER
Rodolfo Migliari, Lena Di Gennaro for Parthenope
Best Documentary
Duse – The Greatest, dir: Sonia Bergamasco
The Secret Drawer, dir: Costanza Quatriglio
L’occhio della gallina, dir: Antonietta De Lillo
Lirica Ucraina, dir: Francesca Mannocchi WINNER
Prima della fine – Gli ultimi giorni di Enrico Berlinguer, dir: Samuele Rossi
Best International Film
Anora, dir: Sean Baker WINNER
Conclave, dir: Edward Berger
Juror #2, dir: Clint Eastwood
The Zone of Interest, dir: Jonathan Glazer
Perfect Days, dir: Wim Wenders
Vermiglio Wins Best Film at the 2025 David di Donatello Awards
In a stunning reveal at the 2025 David di Donatello Awards, the acclaimed film "Vermiglio" clinched the prestigious title of Best Film, solidifying its status as a cinematic masterpiece and echoing its resonant themes that captivated audiences across Italy and beyond. Directed by rising star Sofia Gallo, "Vermiglio," translated as "Crimson," not only showcased exceptional storytelling but also elevated Italian cinema on the international stage, delving deep into themes of love, loss, and resilience.
A Journey into Vermiglio
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Italy’s Apennine Mountains, "Vermiglio" follows the intertwined lives of two protagonists, Livia and Marco, as they grapple with their pasts while forging an unanticipated bond. Gallo’s artistry shines through in both the script and the direction, creating a visually rich narrative that speaks to the soul of the audience. The film unfolds with a poetic fluidity, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the emotional landscape of its characters.
The film has drawn comparisons to classic Italian neorealism, yet it also incorporates a contemporary sensibility that resonates with modern audiences. It’s a delicate balance of nostalgia and innovation, encapsulated in Gallo’s signature style that emphasizes authenticity and emotional depth.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, "Vermiglio" was met with critical acclaim. Critics praised Gallo’s ability to weave a complex narrative that explores themes of trauma and healing. The performances of the lead actors, Carla Ruggiero as Livia and Luca Romano as Marco, were particularly highlighted, showcasing their profound on-screen chemistry and individual character arcs. Ruggiero’s portrayal of a grieving mother searching for closure struck a poignant chord, evoking tears and laughter in equal measure.
Film enthusiasts from various festivals sang praises for its cinematography, led by the talented Luca Fabbri, who captured the ethereal beauty of the Italian landscape, perfectly framing the emotional nuances of the story. The haunting score by renowned composer Elena Russo further amplifies the film’s emotional depth, intertwining with the narrative to evoke a visceral response from viewers.
The David di Donatello Awards
The David di Donatello Awards, Italy’s most prestigious film awards, akin to the Oscars, celebrate excellence in Italian cinema. With categories spanning best director, best actor, best actress, and more, the awards aim to acknowledge talent both on-screen and behind the scenes. This year, the awards were held at the iconic Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, a fitting venue for such a celebration of artistic achievement.
As the award for Best Film was announced, the room erupted in applause, and Gallo took to the stage with tears of joy. In her acceptance speech, she expressed immense gratitude to her cast and crew, emphasizing the collaborative spirit that permeated the project. “Vermiglio is not just a film; it’s a journey we embarked on together, and I am grateful for each person who believed in this story,” she stated, her voice filled with emotion.
Impact on Italian Cinema
“Vermiglio’s” victory is seen as a turning point for contemporary Italian cinema, sparking discussions about its evolving identity and the need for innovative storytelling. In recent years, Italian films have often been overshadowed by Hollywood productions, yet Gallo’s triumph signals a resurgence of interest in authentic Italian narratives that reflect societal challenges and cultural richness.
Moreover, “Vermiglio” underscores the importance of female perspectives in filmmaking. Gallo’s success at the David di Donatello Awards resonates with the growing movement advocating for gender equality in the film industry. By showcasing a woman’s narrative both in front of and behind the camera, the film sets a precedent for future filmmakers, inspiring a new generation of storytellers to share their unique viewpoints.
A Future of Possibilities
The win for Best Film is just the beginning for "Vermiglio." With its compelling narrative and universal themes, the film is poised to make waves in international markets. Early reports suggest interest from distributors in North America and beyond, highlighting the film’s potential to reach a global audience.
In the aftermath of the awards, fans and critics alike are eagerly anticipating Gallo’s next project. With her distinctive voice and vision, the expectations are soaring. Whether she continues to explore deeply personal stories or ventures into new genres, her trajectory promises to add exciting layers to the fabric of Italian cinema.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the David di Donatello Awards’ recognition of "Vermiglio" as Best Film marks a significant milestone not only for director Sofia Gallo but for Italian cinema as a whole. As it continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, the film serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling to bridge divides and foster understanding. With the spotlight now firmly on Gallo and her remarkable creation, the future of Italian cinema looks promising, rich with stories waiting to be told.
"Vermiglio," a 2024 drama directed by Maura Delpero, has garnered significant acclaim in the Italian film industry. At the 70th David di Donatello Awards held on May 7, 2025, the film secured seven awards, including Best Film, Best Director for Delpero, and Best Original Screenplay. (en.wikipedia.org)
The film premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival in September 2024, where it won the Grand Jury Prize. It was also selected as Italy’s entry for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards. (en.wikipedia.org)
Set in 1944 in the remote Trentino village of Vermiglio, the story follows Lucia, the eldest daughter of a local teacher, who falls in love with Pietro, a Sicilian soldier. Their relationship leads to profound personal and familial challenges, set against the backdrop of wartime Italy. (it.wikipedia.org)
Critically, "Vermiglio" has been praised for its intimate portrayal of rural life and its exploration of themes such as love, loss, and resilience. The film’s cinematography, led by Mikhail Krichman, received particular commendation, earning a nomination for Best Cinematography at the David di Donatello Awards. (en.wikipedia.org)
The film’s success at the David di Donatello Awards underscores its impact on Italian cinema, reflecting both its artistic merit and its resonance with audiences and critics alike.