Luca Marinelli and Stefania Ippoliti Win the FRED Award 2024

In the setting of the 81st Venice International Film Festival, Luca Marinelli was awarded the FRED Award 2024 today, a recognition granted by FRED Film Radio for his remarkable contribution to both Italian and international cinema. Luca Marinelli, one of the most talented and versatile Italian actors of his generation, has starred in numerous films, including The Solitude of Prime Numbers by Saverio Costanzo (2010), Every Blessed Day by Paolo Virzì (2012), Don’t Be Bad by Claudio Caligari (2015), They Call Me Jeeg by Gabriele Mainetti (2015), Rainbow: A Private Affair by Paolo Taviani (2017), the series Trust by Danny Boyle (2017), Martin Eden by Pietro Marcello (2019), Diabolik by the Manetti Bros. (2021), and The Eight Mountains (2021) by Felix Van Groeningen and Charlotte Vandermeersch.

The Motivation Behind the Award

Federico Spoletti, founder of FRED Film Radio, highlighted the reason for choosing Marinelli as the winner of the FRED Award 2024:

“The FRED Film Radio Award 2024 goes to Luca Marinelli, an extraordinary actor, a pride of Italian cinema, and a widely appreciated figure in an increasing number of international productions. In a career already filled with prestigious recognitions, Luca Marinelli has distinguished himself through the quality of his choices, taking on complex and fascinating roles. The essential and rigorous nature of his acting makes the many diverse characters he portrays truly memorable. FRED Film Radio particularly values the commitment and sobriety that characterize Luca Marinelli’s artistic path, which is never predictable and always moving.“

A Heartfelt Award, Dedicated to Loved Ones

During the FRED Award ceremony, Marinelli dedicated the award to his grandfather, who passed away when the actor was only 14. “Today is his birthday, and even though he wasn’t able to see anything I’ve done, I dedicate this to him with love,” Marinelli said, visibly moved.

The Interview with Luca Marinelli

Marinelli is in Venice for M – Son of the Century, the series directed by Joe Wright based on the novel by Antonio Scurati, which was presented Out of Competition. In the interview, the actor described the series, where he portrays Benito Mussolini, as one of the most challenging roles of his career. “At first, I was very scared,” he admitted, explaining that, coming from an anti-fascist family, he approached the project with much internal reflection. “I didn’t come out of it unscathed,” Luca Marinelli confessed, referring to the emotional impact of such a complex role. However, he emphasized the importance of teamwork, especially in a project as delicate and controversial as this one.

Stefania Ippoliti: FRED Award 2024 for Contributions to the Italian Film Industry

This year, the FRED Film Radio Award was also presented to Stefania Ippoliti, Director of the Tuscany Film Commission. Over the years, her strategic vision has made a fundamental contribution to strengthening the network of Italian film commissions, elevating their role and recognition within the national and international audiovisual industry, and enhancing Italy’s reputation as a prime destination for film and audiovisual productions.

The FRED Award

The FRED Award is a special recognition given to actors, directors, and industry professionals who promote independent cinema and intercultural exchange. “Our mission is to promote and share the unique and extraordinary experience of participating in film festivals while spreading a passion for independent cinema, in different languages and across various cultures,” emphasized Federico Spoletti, founder of FRED Film Radio.

In the past, the award has been given to prominent figures such as Joaquim Lafosse, Pablo Larrain, Willem Dafoe, Jasmine Trinca, Haifaa Al Mansour, Matt Dillon, Alessandro Borghi, Céline Sciamma, Tessa Thompson, Lola Dueñas, Richard Linklater.

FRED is the International Web Radio official partner of the Venice International Film Festival, producing official radio calls with the delegations of all films at the festival and offering multilingual programming such as The Soup of The Day, Global Critics Venice Voice, VPB in 4 minutes, Kinotico and 8 -10-27. At Venice81, FRED is a media partner for Venice Production Bridge, Giornate degli Autori, and International Critics’ Week.

FRED (an acronym for Film Radio Entertainment & Dialogue) is a multi-channel digital radio station dedicated to those who love independent cinema and are part of the film festival circuit: filmmakers, critics, journalists, students, organizers, and industry professionals, but also enthusiasts eager to learn more about independent cinema. The platform offers 29 channels: 25 in various languages and 4 thematic channels: FRED Education, FRED Entertainment, FRED Extra, and FRED Industry.