Martin Scorsese is set to become honorary president of the David di Donatello Academy of Italian cinema, the government-run entity that oversees Italy's equivalent of the Academy Awards.
The appointment was reported by Variety. Scorsese's role follows a broader restructuring of the academy's leadership. Gianluca Farinelli, head of Italy's Il Cinema Ritrovato festival and founder of the Bologna Film Archives, has also been named 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."
He went further in describing what Italian cinema has meant to his career. "Italian cinema has been a constant source of inspiration throughout my life," Scorsese said. "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."
Scorsese also pledged involvement beyond the title. "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," he said.
Italian culture minister Giuli said he proposed Scorsese for the role because "few filmmakers embody the profound connection between the great Italian tradition and the history of cinema like him." He added that Scorsese's acceptance "represents an extraordinary recognition for our cinema and for Italy, the land of his origins."
The David di Donatello Academy still needs to formally approve the appointment, though that step is considered a formality.
The restructuring separates roles that were previously held by a single person. Film journalist Piera Detassis, who in 2018 became the first woman to head the awards, had held the dual roles of academy president and artistic director. She stepped down after her mandate expired. Those duties are now split among three people: Silvia Calandrelli, a senior executive at Italy's state broadcaster RAI, serves as academy president; Farinelli handles the artistic direction of the awards; and Scorsese takes the honorary presidency.
