US cult director Martin Scorsese has agreed to become honorary president of the David di Donatello Awards, Italy's Oscars, the foundation said Tuesday.
    The proposal was made by the Minister of Culture, Alessandro Giuli, in agreement with the founding members of the Foundation and its President Silvia Calandrelli.
    The Board of Directors of the Foundation of the Academy of Italian Cinema will now meet to formally deliberate the nomination.
    In a letter addressed to the Minister of Culture, the 83-year-old Taxi Driver, Raging Bull and Goodfellas director expressed his gratitude for the prestigious recognition.
    In his letter, Scorsese emphasized: "I thank Minister Giuli and the Foundation for considering me for this prestigious position, which I am honored to accept.

Italian cinema has been a constant source of inspiration throughout my life.

The films, authors, and artistic traditions born in Italy have profoundly shaped both my conception of cinema and my work. Being connected, in this capacity, to the Academy and the David di Donatello Awards has a particularly important meaning for me. I will be honored to support the Academy's commitment to the international promotion of Italian cinema and film culture, and to contribute to its cultural initiatives and activities." Giuli said: "I have proposed to Martin Scorsese, a master and legend of world cinema, in agreement with the Fondazione Accademia del Cinema Italiano, the Honorary Presidency of the David di Donatello Awards, because few authors embody like him the profound bond between the great Italian tradition and the history of cinema. His willingness to accept represents an extraordinary recognition for our cinematography and for Italy, the land of his origins.
    In the words he wished to address to me and "At the Fondazione Accademia del Cinema Italiano, there is a tribute to our masters and to the cinematic culture that helped shape its vision. I am particularly pleased that it has accepted the proposal and await, in full respect of the Foundation's prerogatives, the resolution of the Board of Directors.
    "Following the appointment of President Silvia Calandrelli and Artistic Director Gian Luca Farinelli, the nomination of Martin Scorsese as Honorary President continues the process of renewing the Foundation's governance, which will be completed with the appointment of the Artistic Steering Committee."
   

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