David 2025: Where to Watch Films & Series
- ROME (AP) — The upcoming David di Donatello awards, Italy's most prestigious film honors, reflect a cinematic landscape grappling with themes of youth, adolescence, and the challenges of...
- The miniseries, which received a theatrical release qualifying it as a film, explores these themes, but it's not alone.
- A recurring motif in several nominated films is the oppression of women by men, often within the confines of marriage.
Youthful Rebellion and Female Voices Dominate David di Donatello Nominations
ROME (AP) — The upcoming David di Donatello awards, Italy’s most prestigious film honors, reflect a cinematic landscape grappling with themes of youth, adolescence, and the challenges of adulthood, especially for young women. According to Piera Detassis, president and artistic director of the Academy of italian Cinema, this year’s nominees showcase “the art of youth,” a concept exemplified by Valeria Golino’s miniseries, “The Art of Joy,” available on NOW.
The miniseries, which received a theatrical release qualifying it as a film, explores these themes, but it’s not alone. Many nominated works delve into similar territory: the struggles and triumphs of young people confronting societal norms.
Themes of female Oppression and resistance
A recurring motif in several nominated films is the oppression of women by men, often within the confines of marriage. “Family” (Prime Video) and “me and the Dry” (TimVision), both featuring Barbara Ronchi, depict domestic violence’s impact. Conversely, many films highlight daughters rebelling against oppressive situations. Examples include “The Art of Joy,” “Gloria!,” “Vermilion,” and “Parthenope” (the latter on Netflix,the others on NOW).

Adults as Lifelines: Successes and Failures
The nominated films also explore the role of adults in the lives of young people.Some adults offer support and guidance, as seen in “The Time It Takes” by Francesca Comencini (NOW). However, other films, such as “The Boy with Pink Trousers” (Netflix), depict situations where adults fail to provide adequate support.
Notably, enrico Berlinguer, a prominent figure in Italian history, appears in two nominated works: the documentary “Before the End” (NOW) and the biopic “Berlinguer – the Great Ambition” (available for rental).
Documentaries and Female Directors in the Spotlight
This year’s documentary category features a diverse range of voices,including Francesca Mannocchi,known for “Ukrainian Lyric.” In a historic first, three women are nominated for Best Director: Valeria Golino, Maura Delpero, and Francesca Comencini.Cristina Comencini, Francesca’s sister, received a nomination for the music in “The Bambin Train,” available on Netflix, composed by Oscar winner Nicola Piovani.
Other notable Nominations
Loris Lai’s debut, “Gaza’s Children” (TimVision), and “Battlefield” (NOW) also received nominations. Alessandro Borghi’s performance in “Battlefield” was not recognized. The miniseries “Dostoevsky” (NOW) received nominations for Best Photography and Best Assembly. “He’s – The Last Godfather” received nominations for Best Original Song and best Soundtrack, composed by Colapesce. Colapesce will compete with Thom Yorke in both categories for “Confidence,” available on NOW and Netflix.
David di Donatello Awards: A Guide to the Nominees
What are the David di Donatello Awards?
The David di Donatello Awards are Italy’s most prestigious film honors. They recognise excellence in Italian cinema.
What themes are prominent in this year’s nominations?
This year’s nominations reflect a cinematic focus on youth, adolescence, and the challenges of adulthood, especially for young women. The awards showcase “the art of youth,” according to piera Detassis, president and artistic director of the Academy of Italian Cinema. Many nominated works delve into the struggles and triumphs of young people as they confront societal norms.
What is “the Art of Joy” and why is it notable?
“The Art of Joy” is a miniseries directed by Valeria Golino, which received a theatrical release qualifying it as a film. It exemplifies the concept of “the art of youth,” a central theme of this year’s David di Donatello nominations.
What kind of stories are being told about women in thes films?
A recurring motif in several nominated films is the oppression of women by men, frequently enough within the confines of marriage. Films like “Family” and “me and the Dry” depict the impact of domestic violence. Conversely, many films emphasize daughters rebelling against oppressive situations. examples include “The Art of Joy,” “Gloria!,” ”Vermilion,” and “Parthenope.”
How do the nominated films portray the role of adults in young people’s lives?
The nominated films explore the varied roles adults play in the lives of young people. Some adults offer support and guidance, as seen in ”The Time It takes.” Though, other films, like “The Boy with Pink Trousers,” depict situations where adults fail to provide adequate support.
Are there any ancient figures featured in the nominated films?
Yes, Enrico Berlinguer, a prominent figure in Italian history, appears in two nominated works: the documentary “Before the End” and the biopic “Berlinguer – the Great Ambition.”
Who are the female directors nominated this year?
in a historic first, three women are nominated for Best Director: Valeria Golino, Maura Delpero, and Francesca Comencini.
Are there any noteworthy nominations in the documentary category?
yes, the documentary category features a diverse range of voices, including Francesca Mannocchi, known for “Ukrainian Lyric.”
What other notable films and performances received nominations?
Here’s a summary of some other notable nominations:
| Film/Series | nominations | Notable Details |
| :———————————- | :———————————————— | :——————————————————————– |
| “Gaza’s Children” | Nomination | Directed by Loris Lai |
| “Battlefield” | Nomination | Alessandro Borghi’s performance not recognized.|
| “Dostoevsky” | Best Photography and Best Assembly | Miniseries |
| “He’s – The Last godfather” | Best Original Song and best Soundtrack | Music by Colapesce |
| “Confidence” | Best Original Song and Best Soundtrack | Available on NOW and Netflix. Colapesce will compete with Thom Yorke.|
| “The Bambin Train” | Music Nomination | Music composed by Cristina Comencini, available on Netflix. |
