Venice: tribute to Raffaella Carrà, standing ovation for the showgirl

(from the correspondent Paolo Martini) “With her sympathy, her generosity, her altruism, Raffaella Carrà represented the best characteristics of Italy by taking them around the world”. With these words Roberto Cicutto, president of the Venice Biennale, recalled the popular Italian television showgirl, who recently passed away, with a tribute to the Venice Film Festival. The Special Prize “Sorriso Diverso Venezia Award” was awarded to the memory of Carrà, an official collateral recognition of the 78th Venice International Film Festival, awarded for her film career. Cicutto’s words, during the handover ceremony, were accompanied by a standing ovation and applause lasting more than three minutes. The award was collected by Sergio Iapino, his former partner who is now committed to “keeping Raffaella’s memory alive.” “This award is very significant – added Cicutto because it emphasizes human values ​​and the meaning of diversity and I believe it is consistent with Raffaella’s career, which must be remembered with joy. He is a much loved icon, an inimitable icon, which is part of our lives: his presence is much more than a memory. “For his part, Iapino commented:” I am particularly happy for this recognition, because everyone knows the Raffaella’s musical and television career, but few know of her talent as an actress. At the cinema, as on television, Raffaella was able to get straight to people’s hearts, because people knew that she always spoke from the heart. “The ceremony, which took place at the Spazio Incontri Venice Production Bridge of the Hotel Excelsior on the Lido of Venice, was chaired by Diego Righini and Paola Tassone, respectively president and artistic director of the Prize. Godmother of the 2021 edition of the award was the actress, singer and presenter Arianna, close to the themes of solidarity and social commitment. for Best Italian Film it was awarded to director Gabriele Mainetti for his “Freaks Out”, while Alexandre Moratto was awarded the prize for Best Foreign Film with “7 Prisoner”. Promoted by the University Cerca Lavoro (which also signs the Festival International short film ‘Tulips of Black Silk’) and made in collaboration with Dream On, the Award saw 18 films nominated, chosen in accordance with the Mostra Internazionale d’A rte Cinematografica di Venezia by the jury of experts chaired by Catello Masullo and composed of Paola Dei, Franco Mariotti, Rossella Pozza, Armando Lostaglio and Marcello Zeppi. Sponsor of the Award is the luxury brand “Cinzia Diddi Firenze”, created by the stylist and writer Cinzia Diddi.