The 71st edition of the David di Donatello 2026 took place last night, celebrating the standout achievements of Italian cinema over the past year. Broadcast in prime time on Rai 1, the ceremony honored filmmakers, actors, and productions across the industry.
The evening was dominated by Le città di pianura (Plain Cities) by Francesco Sossai, which won Best Film, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Producer, Best Leading Actor, Best Casting, Best Original Song, and Best Editing. The film was produced by Marta Donzelli and Gregorio Paonessa for Vivo Film with Rai Cinema, in collaboration with Philipp Kreuzer for Maze Pictures and Cecilia Trautvetter.
Among the other major winners, Gioia Mia by Margherita Spampinato received the award for Best First Feature, while Le assaggiatrici won the David Giovani award and Best Makeup. For acting categories, Aurora Quattrocchi won Best Actress for Gioia Mia, Sergio Romano took Best Actor for Le città di pianura, Matilda De Angelis won Best Supporting Actress for Fuori, and Lino Musella received Best Supporting Actor for Nonostante.
The award for Best International Film went to Una battaglia dopo l’altra by Paul Thomas Anderson. Lifetime Achievement honors were presented to Gianni Amelio, while Bruno Bozzetto received the Special David Award and Vittorio Storaro was honored with the Cinecittà Award.
Here is all the winners:
- Best Film: Le città di pianura – Francesco Sossai
- Best Director: Francesco Sossai – Le città di pianura
- Best First Feature: Margherita Spampinato – Gioia Mia
- Best Original Screenplay: Francesco Sossai and Adriano Candiago – Le città di pianura
- Best Adapted Screenplay: Le assaggiatrici
- Best Producer: Marta Donzelli and Gregorio Paonessa for Vivo Film with Rai Cinema
- Best Actress: Aurora Quattrocchi – Gioia Mia
- Best Actor: Sergio Romano – Le città di pianura
- Best Supporting Actress: Matilda De Angelis – Fuori
- Best Supporting Actor: Lino Musella – Nonostante
- Best Documentary: Roberto Rossellini – Più di una vita
- Best Short Film: Everyday in Gaza
- David Giovani: Le assaggiatrici
- Audience Award: Buen Camino
Photo Credits: David di Donatello
