Martin Scorsese is set to be appointed honorary president of the David di Donatello Academy of Italian cinema, the entity that runs Italy’s equivalent of the Oscars.
Scorsese’s appointment to the government-run entity follows that of Gianluca Farinelli, head of Italy’s venerable Il Cinema Ritrovato festival dedicated to cinematic treasures of the past, as the David di Donatello Awards‘ artistic director.
In a statement addressed to Italy’s Minister of Culture, Alessandro Giuli, Scorsese expressed gratitude “for considering me for this prestigious position, which I am honored to accept.”
“Italian cinema has been a constant source of inspiration throughout my life,” Scorsese added. “The films, authors and artistic traditions born in Italy have profoundly shaped both my understanding of cinema and my work. Being associated, in this capacity, with the Academy and the David di Donatello Awards is particularly meaningful to me.”
He continued, “I will be honored 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.”
