Presented in the heart of the Venice Film Festival by Iervolino & Lady Bacardi Entertainment, the event, hosted by Helen Hoehne – President of the HFPA – and Ramin Setoodeh – Variety’s Co-Editor-in-Chief, celebrated breakthrough talent and excellence in Italian filmmaking.

Held at the iconic Excelsior Hotel, the exclusive invite-only event was a dazzling tribute to rising stars and seasoned directors alike. With a chic setting adorned in elegant lighting and lush florals, the atmosphere was one of sophistication and celebration. During the awards ceremony, talents like Lukas Gage, Chase Stokes, and Alice Diop were honored for their incredible contributions to cinema.

The night continued with a dinner and a vibrant DJ set, blending glamour with excitement and setting the tone for a memorable start to the awards season.