David di Donatello: Martin Scorsese accepts the honorary presidency

Martin Scorsese has accepted the offer from the Minister for Culture, Alessandro Giuli, in agreement with the Foundation’s founding members and its President, Silvia Calandrelli, to take up the position of Honorary President of Accademia del Cinema Italiano, the David di Donatello Awards. The Board of Trustees of the Fondazione Accademia del Cinema Italiano may now meet to formally approve the appointment. In a letter addressed to the Minister for Culture, Martin Scorsese expressed his gratitude for this prestigious honour.

In his letter, Scorsese emphasised: ‘I would like to thank Minister Giuli and the Foundation for considering me for this prestigious role, which I am honoured to accept. Italian cinema has been a constant source of inspiration throughout my life. The films, filmmakers and artistic traditions that originated in Italia have profoundly shaped both my conception of cinema and my work. Being associated, in this capacity, with the Academy and the David di Donatello Awards holds particular significance for me.” The director of Taxi Driver goes on to emphasise: ‘I shall be honoured 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’.

Minister Giuli explains the decision as follows: ‘In consultation with the Fondazione Accademia del Cinema Italiano, I have proposed to Martin Scorsese – a master and legend of world cinema – that he take on the role of Honorary President of the David di Donatello Awards, because few filmmakers embody the deep connection between the great Italian tradition and the history of cinema as he does. His willingness to accept this honour represents an extraordinary recognition for our film industry and for Italia, the land of his origins. In the words he chose to address to me and to the Fondazione Accademia del Cinema Italiano, there is a tribute to our masters and to that cinematic culture which helped shape his vision. I am particularly delighted that he has accepted the proposal and I await, with full respect for the Foundation’s prerogatives, the decision of the Board of Directors.’

Following the appointment of the Chair, Silvia Calandrelli, and the Artistic Director, Gian Luca Farinelli, the appointment of Martin Scorsese as Honorary President marks the continuation of the reshuffle within the Foundation’s governance, which will be completed with the appointment of the Artistic Steering Committee.