LOS ANGELES, August 1st, 2025 – Months after its dazzling 20th edition, Los Angeles, Italia – Film, Fashion and Art Festival continues to resonate as one of the most impactful cultural events of the year. Held in the days leading up to the 2025 Academy Awards, the festival once again turned Hollywood into a stage for Italian cinema, fashion, and music, celebrating the deep and enduring bond between Italy and the United States.
As we move into the second half of 2025 and a new awards season begins to unfold, it’s the perfect moment to look back on the highlights of LA, Italia 2025 — and to start the countdown to Los Angeles, Italia 2026.
A Star-Studded Celebration
The 2025 edition honored outstanding figures in international and Italian cinema with the LA, Italia Excellence Awards, presented to:
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Ralph Fiennes
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Julian Schnabel
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Edward Berger
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Pupi Avati
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Jack Huston
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Diane Warren
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Nick Vallelonga
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Sergio Castellitto
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Antonio Avati
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Mauro Borrelli
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Marco Belardi
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Fabrizio Mancinelli
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Francesco Merola
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Francesca Ceccarelli
One of the most acclaimed films of the year, Conclave by Edward Berger, was awarded Best Movie, with Ralph Fiennes receiving Best Actor and Berger also honored as Best Director. The film’s Italian set decorator Cynthia Sleiter is also an Academy Award nominee, highlighting Italy’s excellence behind the scenes.
🎬 Premieres, Tributes, and Cultural Highlights
From the emotional U.S. premiere of “The American Backyard” by Pupi Avati to the world premiere of “Champagne”, the long-awaited Peppino di Capri biopic, the festival offered a rich and diverse program across multiple venues including the TCL Chinese Theatre and the Italian Cultural Institute.
Special screenings included:
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The Return by Uberto Pasolini with Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche
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The Last Supper by Mauro Borrelli, which closed the festival
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The Voice of Naples by Massimo Ferrari, honoring Mario Merola
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The Opera! – Arias for an Eclipse by Davide Livermore and Paolo Gep Cucco
🏆 Documentaries, Short Films, and New Voices
The Los Angeles, Italia Special Contest celebrated emerging talent with:
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Best Documentary: Tineret by Nicolò Ballante
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Best Short Film: Figli dell’arroganza by Anteros Marra
Groundbreaking works like I Am Crazy and You? by Dario D’Ambrosi brought together cinema and therapeutic theater, while over 80 screenings gave space to bold Italian and international storytelling.
🌍 Italy Shines on the World Stage
LA, Italia 2025 was organized with the support of:
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Italian Ministry of Culture (MiC)
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Intesa Sanpaolo
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ENIT, ICE, Italian Cultural Institute, Consulate General of Italy in LA
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SCABEC, Adamantis Europe Ltd, Givova, Riflessi – Made in Italy
Under the leadership of Pascal Vicedomini and chairperson Raffaella De Laurentiis, the festival welcomed major names including Franco Nero, Nick Vallelonga, Diane Warren, Jack Huston, Frank Grillo, and many others who joined hands in celebrating the global impact of Italian creativity.
🎉 Looking Ahead: Los Angeles, Italia 2026
The 20th edition of Los Angeles, Italia was more than a milestone — it was a promise of the future. With its unmatched blend of tradition, innovation, and international flair, the festival set a high bar for what’s to come.
📅 Mark your calendars and stay tuned for Los Angeles, Italia 2026, as the journey continues and Italian excellence once again takes center stage in Hollywood.
Follow updates at www.losangelesitalia.com and on all official social platforms.
The celebration goes on. See you next year.
