After the first two days of star awards on the stage of Forte Village , the 2026 edition of the Filming Italy Sardegna Festival is getting into full swing . The event, directed by Tiziana Rocca and supported by the Sardinia Region and the Ministry of Culture, brings many films, first runs, previews, panels, masterclasses and numerous casts of actors to greet the public between the Notorious Cinemas Multiplex in Piazza L'Unione Sarda in Cagliari and the south-western coast of Santa Margherita di Pula, also involving hundreds of students from the Film Academy created in collaboration with the University of Cagliari.
Many iconic moments were created thanks to the presence of leading figures from the Italian and international star system, such as the mutual award ceremony between Harvey Keitel, a true legend of world cinema, and Franco Nero, an Italian star beloved across the globe, who exchanged the statuette created for the festival by master goldsmith Gerardo Sacco.
Sardinian actor Giuseppe Ignazio Loi, discovered by the brilliant director Riccardo Milani, who chose him as the lead in the blockbuster film “Life Goes That Way,” received widespread acclaim.
The award was presented to the shepherd, who masterfully interpreted the story of the breeder Ovidio Marras, who, in life, opposed the speculation of the cement multinationals, by the regional Tourism Councillor Franco Cuccureddu, with whom he engaged in a lively exchange of jokes that entertained the audience of celebrities and the many young people present in the stalls.
A long list of extraordinary faces from the small and big screen and undisputed masters of the seventh art took turns on the stage and on the red carpet to the delight of the fans: Micaela Ramazzotti, Barbara De Rossi, Chiara Francini, Katherine McNamara, Rosa Diletta Rossi, Natasha Stefanenko, Cristina Marino, Tea Falco, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Christian Madsen, Roberto Lipari, Mattia Cirilli.
And also Irene Giancontieri, Marina Fois, a star of French cinema but with clear Sardinian origins, Elsa Zylberstein, Letizia Toni, Cristina Chiabotto, Matteo Paolillo, Sam Levinson and Ilenia Pastorelli, one of the most beloved young actresses of the Italian star system, capable of winning prestigious awards in just over 10 years such as the David di Donatello for Best Actress in a Leading Role for “They Call Me Jeeg,” the Virna Lisi Award from the Cinema Foundation for Rome, the Kineo Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for “Benedetta follia” at the 75th Venice Film Festival and the Bacco Award at the Berlinale: all her charisma and her usual charm are in the video greeting she wanted to share with the readers of L'Unione Sarda.
Music also featured big names from the Italian art scene.
Nina Zilli's performances were extraordinary, featuring acoustic vocals and guitar, and a mesmerizing medley of some of her greatest hits. Clara, the revelation born from Mare Fuori and now one of the most beloved artists of new Italian music, enjoyed a special moment with her Sanremo hit, which became a huge hit and established her as a household name.
In addition to Ignazio Loi, another Sardinian artist earned the audience's acclaim: Veronica Perseo enchanted the audience with her unique voice and enviable versatility, qualities that allowed her to triumph in 2019 on Tali & Quali, the popular Rai 1 prime time format presented by Carlo Conti.
Between tonight and tomorrow, Sunday, June 28th, many more celebrities are expected on the red carpet of Filming Italy made in Sardinia: the stars of cinema will shine under the island's skies for two more intense days.
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