News Archivi - Los Angeles Film Festival

HOLLYWOOD CELEBRATED ANNA MAGNANI: MONICA GUERRITORE’S “ANNA” PRESENTED BY TAYLOR HACKFORD AT THE OPENING NIGHT OF LA, ITALIA 2026

Los Angeles Italia — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 15:00:01 +0000

LOS ANGELES – The film Anna by Monica Guerritore, dedicated to Anna Magnani, opened the 21st Los Angeles, Italia – Film, Fashion and Art Festival in Hollywood on International Women’s Day, during the week leading up to the Academy Awards ceremony.

“No woman embodied strength and resistance to manipulation as she did, fighting to defend her talent and authenticity,” said the film’s director and star Monica Guerritore, who arrived at the Chinese Theatre accompanied by her husband and the film’s producer Roberto Zaccaria, along with two of the film’s actors, Beatrice Grannò and Robert Madison. “In the film, dedicated to all women, we discover Anna’s difficult human journey and her battles: a powerful message that endures and becomes a guiding destination, making Anna Magnani an inspiring figure still celebrated around the world.”

The Los Angeles, Italia – Film, Fashion and Art Festival, chaired by Raffaella De Laurentiis and Filippo Puglisi Aldovrandi, was promoted by the Capri in the World Institute with the support of the Italian Ministry of Culture, under the patronage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) and the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT), with the participation of Intesa Sanpaolo, KPMG and Rainbow, in collaboration with ICE – Italian Trade Agency, the Italian Cultural Institute and the Consulate General of Italy in Los Angeles.

“It was difficult for me, since I don’t like airplanes — just like she didn’t,” Monica Guerritore said. “But when you have to bring the most important work you’ve done to the world, you don’t step back: you move forward. When I arrived in L.A., passing in front of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the driver realized I was Italian. I said ‘Rome’ and he immediately replied: ‘Magnani.’ Everywhere you can feel the affection people still have for her.”

“Anna has been recognized by great artists such as Meryl Streep and Helen Mirren as a beacon of freedom,” Guerritore concluded. “A woman who continues to speak to the world.”

On the Hollywood stage, at the opening gala of the Festival founded by Pascal Vicedomini, guests included renowned artist manager Rick Nicita, honored with the Jack Valenti Award by Academy Award–winning director Taylor Hackford; actor Demián Bichir with his wife, étoile Victoria Aletta (festival godmother); dancer Antonio Spinelli, fresh from the major show with Bad Bunny at the Super Bowl; directors Antonio Silvestre, Daniele Barbiero and Valter D’Errico; actors Gilles Rocca, Emanuela Postacchini, Livio Cori and Annaluce Cuomo; and producers Chiara Tilesi and Carlo Salem.

Joining them were other figures from international cinema and music: actors Nathalie Emmanuel, Carolina Guerra, Sofia Milos, Vincent Spano and Kristos Andrews; producer Edward Walson; Oscar-nominated composer and songwriter Nicholas Pike (*“Sweet Dreams of Joy” from the film Viva Verdi); and Mark Sonnenblick, Oscar-nominated as co-writer and lyricist of the song “Golden” from the Netflix animated film KPOP Demon Hunters. Also in attendance was Academy Award–winning composer Alexandre Desplat, nominated for the score of Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein.

Representing the great tradition of songs for cinema was also the legendary songwriter Diane Warren, nominated for the Academy Award for the seventeenth time with the song “Dear Me” from the documentary Diane Warren: Relentless.

Founded and produced by Pascal Vicedomini, L.A., Italia – Film, Fashion and Art Festival is promoted with the support of the Italian Ministry of Culture and under the patronage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, MIMIT and MIT, in collaboration with institutional and industrial partners including Intesa Sanpaolo, Rainbow and Givova. The festival’s Chairperson is Raffaella De Laurentiis, and its President is Filippo Puglisi Alibrandi.

L'articolo HOLLYWOOD CELEBRATED ANNA MAGNANI: MONICA GUERRITORE’S “ANNA” PRESENTED BY TAYLOR HACKFORD AT THE OPENING NIGHT OF LA, ITALIA 2026 proviene da Los Angeles Film Festival.

ITALIAN-AMERICAN ICON AND ACADEMY AWARD–WINNING ACTRESS MIRA SORVINO JOINED THE VICE PRESIDENT OF ICNM RICCARDO MONTI DURING THE ITALIAN CINEMA CELEBRATION IN LOS ANGELES

Los Angeles Italia — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 14:55:54 +0000

LOS ANGELES — Academy Award–winning actress Mira Sorvino, one of the most recognizable Italian-American voices in international cinema, joined Riccardo Monti, Vice President of ICNM – Istituto Capri nel Mondo, during the 21st edition of LA, Italia – Film, Fashion and Art Festival in Hollywood.

Sorvino’s presence added further prestige to the festival, which once again brought together filmmakers, actors and cultural leaders in the days leading up to the Academy Awards, celebrating the enduring connection between Italian culture and the global film industry.

During the event, Sorvino and Monti highlighted the importance of strengthening the cultural dialogue between Italy and the United States, reaffirming the role of the festival as a platform dedicated to promoting Italian creativity, talent and storytelling on the international stage.

Founded and produced by Pascal Vicedomini, LA, Italia – Film, Fashion and Art Festival is promoted by the Istituto Capri nel Mondo with the support of the Italian Ministry of Culture, under the patronage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) and the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT), in collaboration with Intesa Sanpaolo, KPMG and Rainbow, and with the participation of the Consulate General of Italy in Los Angeles, ICE – Italian Trade Agency, and the Italian Cultural Institute of Los Angeles.

L'articolo ITALIAN-AMERICAN ICON AND ACADEMY AWARD–WINNING ACTRESS MIRA SORVINO JOINED THE VICE PRESIDENT OF ICNM RICCARDO MONTI DURING THE ITALIAN CINEMA CELEBRATION IN LOS ANGELES proviene da Los Angeles Film Festival.

2026 ACADEMY AWARD WINNER MARK SONNENBLICK WITH RAY COSTA IN LOS ANGELES: MUSIC AND CINEMA MEET AT LA, ITALIA 2026

Los Angeles Italia — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 14:51:52 +0000

LOS ANGELES – Oscar nominee Mark Sonnenblick appeared in Los Angeles together with producer and talent manager Ray Costa during the 21st edition of LA, Italia – Film, Fashion and Art Festival, bringing Hollywood’s awards-season excitement to the Italian cultural showcase held in the days leading up to the Academy Awards.

Sonnenblick, winner at the 2026 Academy Awards for Best Original Song, has emerged as one of the most interesting voices among the new generation of composers and songwriters working between cinema and the global music industry. His work has gained international recognition for its emotional storytelling and its ability to bridge contemporary music with cinematic narrative.

At LA, Italia 2026, Sonnenblick’s presence alongside Ray Costa, a long-time figure in the entertainment industry and founder of Costa Communications, highlighted the festival’s ongoing dialogue between Hollywood and Italian cultural initiatives in the United States.

“Having artists and creators who are part of the Oscar conversation each year reflects the international dimension of our event,” said Pascal Vicedomini, founder and producer of the festival. “LA, Italia continues to be a meeting point where cinema, music and creativity from different cultures come together in Los Angeles during the most important week for the film industry.”

L'articolo 2026 ACADEMY AWARD WINNER MARK SONNENBLICK WITH RAY COSTA IN LOS ANGELES: MUSIC AND CINEMA MEET AT LA, ITALIA 2026 proviene da Los Angeles Film Festival.

ITALIAN ACTOR GILLES ROCCA BRINGS “THE LAST MATCH” TO LOS ANGELES, ITALIA 2026 WITH DIRECTOR ANTONIO SILVESTRE — AN ORIGINAL AND REALISTIC STORY SET IN THE WORLD OF BOXING

Los Angeles Italia — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 14:50:35 +0000

LOS ANGELES – Gilles Rocca arrived in Los Angeles for the 21st edition of Los Angeles, Italia – Film, Fashion and Art Festival to present “The Last Match,” the film directed by Antonio Silvestre, offering international audiences an original and deeply realistic story set in the world of boxing.

The film follows the journey of a fighter confronting the most decisive moment of his career, both inside and outside the ring. Through an intense and emotional narrative, “The Last Match” explores themes of determination, sacrifice and personal redemption, portraying the human dimension behind the sport.

During Los Angeles, Italia 2026, Rocca presented the film alongside director Antonio Silvestre, introducing the project to audiences in Los Angeles as part of the festival program dedicated to contemporary Italian cinema. The work stands out for its grounded tone and its attempt to depict the reality of professional boxing without stereotypes, focusing instead on the personal battles and fragile ambitions of its protagonist.

Held every year in Los Angeles in the days leading up to the Academy Awards, Los Angeles, Italia – Film, Fashion and Art Festival continues to showcase Italian cinema and creative talent on the international stage, bringing filmmakers, actors and producers to the heart of Hollywood during the most important week for the global film industry.

L'articolo ITALIAN ACTOR GILLES ROCCA BRINGS “THE LAST MATCH” TO LOS ANGELES, ITALIA 2026 WITH DIRECTOR ANTONIO SILVESTRE — AN ORIGINAL AND REALISTIC STORY SET IN THE WORLD OF BOXING proviene da Los Angeles Film Festival.

ACCLAIMED HOLLYWOOD DIRECTOR CATHERINE HARDWICKE AMONG THE SPECIAL GUESTS OF THE ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL IN LOS ANGELES

Los Angeles Italia — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 14:45:29 +0000

LOS ANGELES – Acclaimed Hollywood director Catherine Hardwicke, known worldwide for directing the global hit Twilight, was among the distinguished guests attending the 21st edition of Los Angeles, Italia – Film, Fashion and Art Festival, held in Los Angeles during the week leading up to the Academy Awards.

Hardwicke’s presence added further prestige to the festival, which every year brings together international filmmakers, actors and industry professionals to celebrate Italian cinema and strengthen cultural dialogue between Italy and the global entertainment industry.

One of the most recognizable female directors working in Hollywood, Catherine Hardwicke gained international recognition with films such as Thirteen, Lords of Dogtown and the blockbuster Twilight, which launched one of the most successful film franchises of the last two decades.

At Los Angeles, Italia 2026, the director joined artists and filmmakers from both sides of the Atlantic, contributing to the festival’s mission of promoting artistic exchange and celebrating cinema during the most important week of the year for the film industry.

Held annually in Los Angeles in the days preceding the Academy Awards, Los Angeles, Italia – Film, Fashion and Art Festival continues to serve as a cultural bridge between Italian creativity and Hollywood, welcoming internationally renowned talents and emerging voices from the global film community.

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FESTIVAL PRESIDENT RAFFAELLA DE LAURENTIIS ON THE FINAL NIGHT OF LA, ITALIA 2026 FOR THE PRESENTATION OF THE TONY RENIS DOCUMENTARY

Los Angeles Italia — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 14:25:57 +0000

LOS ANGELES — The final night of the 21st edition of Los Angeles, Italia – Film, Fashion and Art Festival 2026 was marked by the presence of its Chairperson Raffaella De Laurentiis, who led the closing ceremony of a week that once again positioned the festival at the center of Hollywood’s cultural calendar in the days leading up to the Academy Awards.

A prominent figure in the international film industry, De Laurentiis has played a decisive role in shaping the identity and global reach of the festival, overseeing a program that brought together premieres, tributes and major international guests at the TCL Chinese Theatre and across Los Angeles. Her presence on the closing night embodied both the institutional strength and the continuity that have defined the event for over two decades.

Throughout the week, LA, Italia 2026 confirmed its role as a bridge between Italy and Hollywood, celebrating excellence across cinema, music, fashion and art while reinforcing the dialogue between the two industries. The closing evening brought together talents, filmmakers and institutions in a final moment that reflected the scale and ambition of this year’s edition.

Under De Laurentiis’ leadership, the festival continues to expand its international profile, strengthening its mission to promote Italian creativity on a global stage and to create meaningful connections within the entertainment industry during one of its most visible moments of the year.

Founded and produced by Pascal Vicedomini, L.A., Italia – Film, Fashion and Art Festival is promoted with the support of the Italian Ministry of Culture and under the patronage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, MIMIT and MIT, in collaboration with institutional and industrial partners including Intesa Sanpaolo, Rainbow and Givova. The festival’s Chairperson is Raffaella De Laurentiis, and its President is Filippo Puglisi Alibrandi.

L'articolo FESTIVAL PRESIDENT RAFFAELLA DE LAURENTIIS ON THE FINAL NIGHT OF LA, ITALIA 2026 FOR THE PRESENTATION OF THE TONY RENIS DOCUMENTARY proviene da Los Angeles Film Festival.

FROM BAD BUNNY’S STAGE TO HOLLYWOOD: ITALIAN DANCER ANTONIO SPINELLI HONORED AT LA, ITALIA 2026 FOR HIS INCREDIBLE TALENT

Los Angeles Italia — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 14:24:38 +0000

LOS ANGELES – The extraordinary journey of Antonio Spinelli, the Italian dancer who performed alongside Bad Bunny, was celebrated in Los Angeles during the 21st edition of LA, Italia – Film, Fashion and Art Festival, highlighting a young Italian talent who has already conquered some of the world’s most visible stages.

Originally from Mugnano di Napoli, Spinelli has quickly emerged as one of the most promising performers working in the international entertainment industry. His career has brought him to Los Angeles, where he collaborates with major artists and productions in the global music scene. His recent performances alongside Bad Bunny, one of the most influential artists of contemporary pop culture, have placed him under the spotlight of international audiences.

During LA, Italia 2026, the festival recognized Spinelli’s artistic path and his growing international career, celebrating the presence of Italian talent within the global entertainment industry and the contribution of young performers capable of bridging cultures through music, dance and live performance.

“Stories like that of Antonio Spinelli demonstrate how Italian creativity continues to find space on the most important stages in the world,” said Pascal Vicedomini, founder and producer of the festival. “LA, Italia has always aimed to celebrate not only cinema but the broader spectrum of Italian talent in the arts and entertainment industries.”

Vicedomini also underlined how the festival continues to serve as a meeting point between Italy and Hollywood: “Recognizing young artists who succeed internationally means strengthening the cultural bridge between Italy and the United States and encouraging new generations to pursue global artistic careers.”

L'articolo FROM BAD BUNNY’S STAGE TO HOLLYWOOD: ITALIAN DANCER ANTONIO SPINELLI HONORED AT LA, ITALIA 2026 FOR HIS INCREDIBLE TALENT proviene da Los Angeles Film Festival.

FRANCESCO DE GREGORI TOOK CENTER STAGE IN HOLLYWOOD: “NEVERGREEN” CELEBRATED THE LEGENDARY ITALIAN SONGWRITER AT LA, ITALIA 2026

Los Angeles Italia — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 11:55:13 +0000

LOS ANGELES — The documentary “Francesco De Gregori: Nevergreen,” directed by Stefano Pistolini, was presented in Hollywood during the 21st edition of LA, Italia – Film, Fashion and Art Festival, bringing to the international stage the story of one of the most influential and beloved figures in Italian music.

The film offers an intimate portrait of Francesco De Gregori, retracing his extraordinary artistic journey and the cultural impact of songs that have defined generations of listeners. Through archival footage, live performances and personal reflections, the documentary explores the poetic language and musical vision that made De Gregori a central voice in contemporary Italian songwriting.

From his early successes to the timeless classics that shaped the Italian musical landscape, “Nevergreen” highlights the enduring relevance of an artist whose work continues to resonate across decades. The film also reflects on the deep connection between music, storytelling and Italian cultural identity, themes that remain at the heart of De Gregori’s artistic legacy.

The presentation of the documentary at LA, Italia 2026 reinforced the festival’s commitment to celebrating Italian cultural icons whose work has influenced not only music but also cinema, literature and the broader artistic imagination.

L'articolo FRANCESCO DE GREGORI TOOK CENTER STAGE IN HOLLYWOOD: “NEVERGREEN” CELEBRATED THE LEGENDARY ITALIAN SONGWRITER AT LA, ITALIA 2026 proviene da Los Angeles Film Festival.

THE 21ST EDITION OF LA, ITALIA CLOSED CELEBRATING THE FIFA WORLD CUP: IN HOLLYWOOD THE FILM ON USA ’94 AND THE ROAD TO 2026

Los Angeles Italia — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 11:50:02 +0000

NAPLES, FEB 14 – The special screening of Two Billion Hearts, the film recounting the historic USA ’94 FIFA World Cup (narrated by actor Liev Schreiber), will close on Saturday, March 14 at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood the 21st edition of Los Angeles, Italia – Film, Fashion and Art Festival. The traditional Italian event held on the eve of the Oscars and promoted by the Istituto Capri nel Mondo. The screening pays tribute to one of the most iconic editions of the FIFA World Cup, symbolically anticipating the 2026 tournament, which for the first time in history will be a “shared” World Cup hosted by three countries: the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Founded and produced by Pascal Vicedomini, LA, Italia is promoted with the support of the Italian Ministry of Culture, under the patronage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the MIMIT and the MIT, and carried out in collaboration with institutional and industrial partners including Intesa Sanpaolo, Rainbow and Givova. The festival’s Chairperson is Raffaella De Laurentiis, while the President is Filippo Puglisi Alibrandi.

“It is with joy, but also with a sense of emotion, that we will watch this film, which also featured Arrigo Sacchi’s Italian national team, who reached the Pasadena final after an impeccable tournament, unfortunately losing on penalties to Brazil. I was personally there as a Rai correspondent for Gianni Minà’s program and I retain a vivid memory of the enthusiasm generated by Roberto Baggio and the entire squad. With this screening, we also hope that today’s Azzurri, led by Rino Gattuso, will achieve the important goal of qualifying for the World Cup, thinking of the many Italians living across the United States, Canada and Mexico who are eager to support our national team,” Vicedomini concluded.

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GABRIELE SALVATORES BRINGS “NAPOLI – NEW YORK” TO HOLLYWOOD: AN ITALIAN STORY OF MIGRATION AND HOPE AT LA, ITALIA 2026

Los Angeles Italia — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 11:45:20 +0000

LOS ANGELES — Gabriele Salvatores’ film “Napoli – New York” was presented in Hollywood during the 21st edition of LA, Italia – Film, Fashion and Art Festival, bringing one of the most anticipated Italian productions of the year to audiences at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre.

The film, inspired by a story by Federico Fellini and Tullio Pinelli, explores the dramatic and emotional journey of Italian children emigrating to the United States in the years following the Second World War, offering a powerful reflection on identity, displacement and the search for a new future.

With “Napoli – New York,” Salvatores returns to a deeply human narrative that connects Italian history with the broader experience of migration, transforming a historical moment into a cinematic story of courage, friendship and survival.

The presentation in Hollywood was part of the festival’s program dedicated to showcasing major Italian productions and strengthening the cultural dialogue between Italy and the international film industry during the days leading up to the Academy Awards.

L'articolo GABRIELE SALVATORES BRINGS “NAPOLI – NEW YORK” TO HOLLYWOOD: AN ITALIAN STORY OF MIGRATION AND HOPE AT LA, ITALIA 2026 proviene da Los Angeles Film Festival.