The 70th David di Donatello Awards showcased a remarkable **female presence** in Italian cinema, with Maura Delpero’s acclaimed film “**Vermiglio**,” which won the **Venice Silver Lion**, taking home the top honors. Valeria Golino’s empowering drama “**The Art of Joy**” and Margherita Vicario’s directorial debut “**Gloria!**” also garnered multiple awards, highlighting the growing influence of women in the industry.

“**Vermiglio**,” set in an Alpine village at the end of World War II, tells the story of three sisters whose lives are disrupted by the arrival of a soldier. This film emerged as the **big winner** of the night, securing awards for **Best Picture**, **Best Director**, **Screenplay**, **Producer**, **Cinematography**, **Sound**, and the newly introduced **Casting** category.

Valeria Golino’s “**The Art of Joy**,” adapted from a highly erotic feminist novel by the late Goliarda Sapienza, won accolades for **Best Non-Original Screenplay** and **Best Actress** for rising star Tecla Insolia. Insolia portrays Modesta, a woman born into poverty in the early 1900s, who is determined to forge a better life. Additionally, Valeria Bruni Tedeschi received the **Non-Supporting Actress** award for her role in the film.

Margherita Vicario’s vibrant musical comedy “**Gloria!**” also made waves, set in a late 18th-century Venetian female orphanage where a young rebel named Teresa leads a group of performers to challenge classical norms and create a precursor to pop music. The film won the **Best Debut Director** award along with several others, including **Best Song** and **Score**.

In the acting categories, **Elio Germano** was honored for his portrayal of Enrico Berlinguer in Andrea Segre’s “**The Great Ambition**.” Berlinguer was a significant figure in Italian politics, leading the Italian Communist Party (PCI) from 1972 until his death in 1984, and nearly bringing the PCI to power in the 1976 parliamentary elections.

The **David for Best Foreign Film** went to “**Anora**” by Sean Baker, who expressed his admiration for Italian cinema across all genres, from comedies to neo-realism. Additionally, Italian actress **Ornella Muti** was recognized with a **Career David** for her contributions to the industry.

The awards ceremony took place at **Cinecittà Studios** in Rome, which is currently undergoing significant renovations and has become a hub for Hollywood productions, including Mel Gibson’s upcoming film “**The Resurrection of the Christ**,” which will utilize the new Studio 22 facility as its main base.

Explore the complete list of 2025 David Awards winners below.

PICTURE

 

“**Vermiglio**,” Maura Delpero

DIRECTOR

 

“**Vermiglio**,” Maura Delpero

DEBUT DIRECTOR

 

“**Gloria!**,” Margherita Vicario

PRODUCER

 

Francesca Andreoli, Leonardo Guerra Seràgnoli, Santiago Fondevila Sancet, Maura Delpero, “**Vermiglio**”

ACTRESS

 

Tecla Insolia, “**The Art of Joy**”

ACTOR

 

Elio Germano, “**The Great Ambition**”

SUPPORTING ACTRESS

 

Valeria Bruni Tedeschi, “**The Art of Joy**”

SUPPORTING ACTOR

 

Francesco di Leva, “**Familia**”

SCREENPLAY

 

“**Vermiglio**,” Maura Delpero

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

 

“**The Art of Joy**,” Valeria Golino, Francesca Marciano, Valia Santella, Luca Infascelli, Stefano Sardo

CINEMATOGRAPHY

 

Mikhail Krichman, “**Vermiglio**”

EDITING

 

Iacopo Quadri, “**The Great Ambition**”

DOCUMENTARY

 

“**Lirica Ucraina**,” Francesca Mannocchi

SHORT

 

“**Domenica Sera**,” Matteo Tortone

CASTING

 

Stefania Rodà, Maurilio Mangano, “**Vermiglio**”

SCORE

 

Margherita Vicario, Davide Pavanello, “**Gloria!**”

ORIGINAL SONG

 

“**Aria!**” from the film “**Gloria!**,” Margerita Vicario, Davide Pavanello, Edwyn Clark Roberts, Andrea Bonomo, Gianluigi Fazio

PRODUCTION DESIGN

 

Tonino Zera, Maria Grazia Schirripa, Carlotta Desman, “**Le déluge**”

COSTUME DESIGN

 

Massimo Cantini Parrini, “**Le déluge**”

MAKEUP ARTIST

 

Alessandra Vita, Valentina Visentin, “**Le Déluge**”

HAIR ARTIST

 

Aldo Signoretti, Domingo Santoro, “**Le Déluge**”

SOUND

 

Dana Farzanehpour, Hervé Guyader, Emmanuel De Boissieu, “**Vermiglio**”

DIGITAL EFFECTS

 

Victor Perez, “**Napoli, New York**”

AUDIENCE AWARD

 

“**Diamonds**,” Ferzan Ozpetek

BEST SHORT

 

BEST FOREIGN FILM

“**Anora**,” Sean Baker

YOUTH DAVID

 

“**Naples, New York**,” Gabriele Salvatores

CAREER DAVID

 

Pupi Avati

DAVID FOR CINEMATIC EXCELLENCE

 

Timothée Chalamet

SPECIAL DAVID

 

Ornella Muti

SPECIAL DAVID CINECITTÀ

 

Giuseppe Tornatore