The Taormina Film Festival, in collaboration with the Golden Globes and the Artemis Rising Foundation, has awarded Giuseppe Tornatore an award for the documentary Brunello: The Gracious Visionary, dedicated to the creative director and entrepreneur Brunello Cucinelli, during the 72nd edition of the festival.

The award ceremony took place June 12 at the Ancient Theatre of Taormina in the presence of Golden Globes president Helen Hoehne,  Taormina Film Festival artistic director Tiziana Rocca, and Cucinelli. Although absent, Tornatore sent a video message to express his gratitude and apologize for not being there.

“For 72 years, this festival has celebrated the power of cinema, bringing together visionary filmmakers, artists, and audiences from around the world in one of the most remarkable settings,” said Hoehne of the Golden Globes. “We are proud, in partnership with Artemis Rising Foundation, to celebrate the impact of documentary storytelling through the Golden Globes Prize for Documentary. This award was created to recognize filmmakers whose work not only demonstrates exceptional artistic achievement, but also deepens our understanding of the world and inspires meaningful and cultural change.

“For many decades, Giuseppe Tornatore has reminded us why stories are important to tell. From Cinema Paradiso (1988) to Malena (2000) and Baarìa (2009), all his films have captured the essence, the beauty of these places, and above all of a humanity that gives cinema a unique power, that of inspiring and moving,” she added. “Brunello: The Gracious Visionary is a testament to Mr. Tornatore’s extraordinary ability to craft compelling stories that explore universal themes of purpose, generosity, and human dignity. It’s a work that invites us to reflect on what it truly means to lead with vision and build a legacy rooted in values.”

Taormina Festival’s Tiziana Rocca, declared: “I am very proud to have established this collaboration alongside the Golden Globes, a highly prestigious international award. Brunello Cucinelli has been able to transform an entrepreneurial dream into a vision recognized and admired all over the world, combining business, culture, beauty, and respect for the individual, becoming one of the most authoritative ambassadors of ‘Made in Italy’ internationally. His story is now told in a work that allows us to get to know not only the successful entrepreneur but also the man, his philosophy, and his outlook on the future.”