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Martin Scorsese accepts nomination as honorary president of Italy’s David di Donatello Academy

The acclaimed filmmaker is set to take on the ceremonial role alongside a wider governance shakeup at the Italian cinema academy.

The short version

  • Director Martin Scorsese has accepted a proposal from Italian Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli to serve as honorary president of the David di Donatello Academy.
  • The academy, which runs Italy's equivalent of the Oscars, is undergoing a broader leadership renewal to split previously combined responsibilities.
  • A formal resolution by the organization's board of directors is still required to finalize Scorsese's appointment, though it is considered a formality.

Key facts

  • Italy's Minister of Culture, Alessandro Giuli, proposed Martin Scorsese for the honorary president role, citing Scorsese's deep connection to the history of Italian cinema.[Variety]
  • The appointment follows the departure of Piera Detassis, who previously held a dual role as both president and artistic director of the academy.[Variety]
  • The academy has split the leadership positions, naming Silvia Calandrelli as president and Gianluca Farinelli as artistic director.[Variety]
  • Scorsese expressed gratitude in a statement, saying Italian cinema has been a constant source of inspiration throughout his life.[Variety]

What remains uncertain

  • While Scorsese's appointment has been agreed upon, it remains pending a formal resolution by the David di Donatello Academy's board of directors.[Variety]

Sources