On the occasion of the 70th edition of the David di Donatello, the Cinecittà David 70 Special Award will be given to Giuseppe Tornatore in recognition of his career as one of the most representative filmmakers in Italian cinema. The Undersecretary for Culture, Lucia Borgonzoni, made the announcement, describing the recognition as "more than deserved" for an author who is capable of igniting the passion for the big screen and captivating international audiences. The event will take place in Cinecittà's ancient Teatro 5, which is a symbol of Italy's rich film culture. According to Cinecittà CEO Manuela Cacciamani, Tornatore is a complete artist, able to “elevate every aspect of cinema, from writing to editing". "Tornatore is synonymous with the magic of cinema," stated Piera Detassis, president of the Italian Cinema Academy, recalling how Nuovo Cinema Paradiso represents “an immortal emotion". The Sicilian director, who has already received 11 David di Donatello awards in his career, joins an exceptional lineup: among the other awardees of the 2024 edition are Pupi Avati (Lifetime Achievement Award), Ornella Muti, Ferzan Özpetek, Timothée Chalamet, and Sean Baker.