LEGENDARY PRODUCER, COUNTESS MARINA CICOGNA HONORED BY L.A. ITALIA AND THE REPUBLIC OF ITALY
During the course of the luncheon, the Consul General announced that Countess Cicogna has been awarded the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy, that country’s highest honor, by the President of Italy, Giorgio Napolitano. The previous day, the Festival presented a special screening of the documentary, “Marina: An Italian Legend” at the Chinese Theater in Hollywood.
Sunday’s Oscar marked the third win for Ferretti and Lo Schiavo, who declared the 2012 Oscar “for Martin and for Italy.” Ferretti has had ten nominations; and Lo Schiavo, eight. Also as part of the week-long festival, the couple received the L.A. Italia Excellence Award.
The festival included screenings, symposia and special tributes to legendary filmmakers Dario Argento and Sergio Corbucci. Cult filmmaker Argento is known for his horror films; Corbucci for his “spaghetti westerns.”
Pascal Vicedomini produced the festival, along with board chair Pupi Avanti; honorary chair Mark Canton, producer of “300” and “Immortals;” and masters of ceremonies Gianluca Mech and Elisabetta Canalis of “Dancing with the Stars.” Co-chairs included “Crash” director Bobby Moresco, “Swept Away” director Lina Wertmuller, actor Franco Nero of the films “CameloT,” “Die Hard 2” and “Letters To Juliet;” Leslie and Jack Kavanaugh, Shaul Kuba and Marina Cicogna.