David di Donatello facts for kids

The David di Donatello Awards are very important film awards in Italy. They are named after a famous statue called David by the artist Donatello. This statue is a symbol of the Italian Renaissance, a time when art and culture were very popular in Italy.

These awards are given out every year by the Accademia del Cinema Italiano, which is like the Academy of Italian Cinema. As of 2025, there are 27 different award categories. People who work in the film industry vote for these awards. Many people think they are Italy's version of the American Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars.

History of the Awards

The Italian studio complex Cinecittà, where the David di Donatello award ceremony has been held several times.

The David di Donatello film awards started in 1955. A businessman named Italo Gemini created them. His goal was to celebrate the best Italian and international films each year. The very first awards ceremony happened in Rome on July 5, 1956.

The David di Donatello awards are judged in a similar way to the American Academy Awards. Before these awards, Italy had other film prizes like the Nastro d'Argento. However, those were chosen by film critics and journalists. The David di Donatello awards are special because people who actually work in the film industry vote for them. This includes actors, producers, directors, writers, and technical crew members.

After starting in Rome, the award ceremony moved around. From 1957 to 1980, it was held at the Greek Theatre in Taormina during the Taormina Film Fest. It was also held twice in Florence. Eventually, the ceremony returned to Rome. The President of the Italian Republic has always supported these awards. Today, the Rome City Council also helps organize them.

The organization that gives out the awards is now called the Accademia del Cinema Italiano. It works closely with the Italian Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Tourism. Most of the awards go to Italian films. However, there is also a special category for films made in other countries.

Leaders of the Academy

Italian President Ciampi shows the prize at the 2005 awards ceremony.

The Accademia del Cinema Italiano has had several presidents over the years. These leaders help guide the awards and the Italian film industry.

† Died while in office.

The Award Trophy

The David di Donatello trophy is a gold statue. It looks just like Donatello's famous David sculpture. The statue stands on a square base made of a green stone called malachite. A gold plaque on the base shows the award category, the year, and the name of the winner.

One special David trophy from 1956 was given to actress Gina Lollobrigida for her movie Beautiful but Dangerous. This trophy was later sold at an auction in 2013.

Award Categories

The David di Donatello Awards have many different categories to celebrate all parts of filmmaking. Here are some of the main awards:

• David di Donatello for Best Film
• David di Donatello for Best Director
• David di Donatello for Best Directorial Debut (for a director's first movie)
• David di Donatello for Best Producer
• David di Donatello for Best Actress
• David di Donatello for Best Actor
• David di Donatello for Best Supporting Actress
• David di Donatello for Best Supporting Actor
• David di Donatello for Best Original Screenplay (for a new story)
• David di Donatello for Best Adapted Screenplay (for a story based on a book or play)
• David di Donatello for Best Cinematography (for the camera work)
• David di Donatello for Best Score (for the movie's music)
• David di Donatello for Best Original Song
• David di Donatello for Best Production Design (for the sets and look of the film)
• David di Donatello for Best Costumes
• David di Donatello for Best Make-up
• David di Donatello for Best Hairstyling
• David di Donatello for Best Editing
• David di Donatello for Best Sound
• David di Donatello for Best Visual Effects
• David di Donatello for Best Documentary
• David di Donatello for Best Foreign Film (for movies from other countries)
• David di Donatello for Best Short Film
• David Youth Award (for younger audiences)
• David Special Award (given for special achievements or careers)
• David Viewers' Award (since 2019, chosen by viewers)
• David di Donatello for Best Casting (since 2025, for choosing the actors)

Retired Awards

Over the years, some award categories have been stopped or changed. Here are a few examples:

• David di Donatello for Best Foreign Director (1966–1990)
• David di Donatello for Best Foreign Actor (1957–1996)
• David di Donatello for Best Foreign Actress (1957–1996)
• David di Donatello for Best European Film (2004–2018, now part of Best Foreign Film)
• David di Donatello for Best Screenplay (1975–2016, now split into two awards)

Award Winners: Top Actors

Some actors have won many David di Donatello awards. As of 2025, four actors have won seven awards each. These are Margherita Buy, Alberto Sordi, Vittorio Gassman, and Sophia Loren.

     Women

See also

In Spanish: Premio David de Donatello para niños

• Italian entertainment awards
• List of film awards