Sicilian Culture: The News & Views: 3rd Annual Los Angeles Italian Film Awards

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3rd Annual Los Angeles Italian Film Awards
April 24-28, 2001 @ The Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood
The 3rd Annual Los Angeles Film Award Festival (LAIFA) culminated with an award ceremony and an enchanting courtyard party at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood last night. Film enthusiasts and filmmakers from all over Italy celebrated the future of Italian Cinema in Hollywood.
The final film presentation was Claudio Bondi’s L’Educazione di Giulio, the rich and evocative story of the young man who would become Italy’s foremost art critic, Carlo Argan. Mr. Bondi was on hand to introduce his film. Brenda Vaccaro, three-time Tony nominee, recipient of an Academy Award nomination, and winner of an Emmy, delighted the audience with her warm and spirited acceptance of LAIFA’s special award for Outstanding Achievement in Acting.
Pietro Scalia, whose work includes Good Will Hunting, Stealing Beauty, and Hannibal, was honored for Outstanding Achievement in Editing. The Academy Award winning editor (JFK), sent a video acceptance from Morocco, dedicating the award to his wife, Theresa, who thanked the festival on his behalf.
The ceremonies were hosted by actors Joe Sabatino and Anne Marie Crouch who set a lively pace and handled the tongue-twisting Italian names with style and great fun.
LAIFA’s executive director, Luigi Campanile, kept a low profile, but his personal dedication to this festival was recognized by every acceptance speech.
THE AWARD WINNERS ARE:
Best Feature Film by an Italian Director: Controvento (Into the Wind) by Peter Del Monte
Best Feature Film by an Italian-American Director: The Amati Girls by Anne DeSalvo
Best Documentary: One Girl Against the Mafia by Marco Amenta
Best Short: The Countess by Alessandra Fornari
Audience Award: Padre Pio by Carlo Carlei.
Throughout the festival, the courtyard of the Egyptian Theatre buzzed with filmmakers, film enthusiasts, and tourists who were privileged to browse through an extraordinary collection of props from movies and television. For the first time ever, 20th Century Props, the third largest prop rental facility in Los Angeles, offered a select items from their warehouse for sale to the public.
In addition, the public was treated to a photo and video display of Venice Carnevale by Jon Beau Lee.
The opening and closing parties were catered by Tanino’s in Westwood, Palermo’s in Los Feliz and Fabiolous Cafe in Hollywood. Wines were supplied by Wine Expo and Luciano Palermi, deejay of Buona Domenica set the mood with the rhythm and melody of contemporary Italian music.
Sponsors of the event included, Moviola Digital, Alitalia Airlines,Italian Film Commission, Ramada Hollywood Hotels, Perugina Chocolates, Torani Italian Syrups, Need2have.com, Carpe Diem Entertainment and the official liqueur of the Los Angeles Italian Film Awards, Amaro Averna.

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