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01 September 2021 Roberto Benigni received the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement during the inaugural ceremony of the 78th Venice Film Festival. The director Jane Campion presented him with the award, commenting: "In this difficult moment for directors and for people all over the world, Roberto Benigni is necessary".



"The Lion belongs to my wife"

"I cannot dedicate the Lion for career to Nicoletta: it is hers. I take my tail, the wings are yours, talent, mystery, charm and femininity. You emanate light, love at first sight, indeed eternal sight ". Benigni's words are a declaration of love to his wife, Nicoletta Braschi, after the award.



"The Lion? I deserved a kitten," joked the Oscar winner, greeted by a standing ovation. "It is not an emotion: it is more, it is a feeling of love that I feel and that I would like to


give back tenfold. When I found out I took rumba steps, naked though" ..



Benigni to Mattarella: "Stay a few years more"

And then: "I want to thank the authorities as a good child. So naturally I greet the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, is that here with us, thank you President for demonstrating his love for art, especially for the art of cinema. She knows the love I feel for her, I would like to kiss and hug her. You cannot know the satisfaction of being her contemporary, a wonderful president, when I was told that she was there I had the same reaction that she had when she was Wembley and Bonucci scored. Sergio Mattarella stay with us a little longer, at least for the next exhibition. Stay with us for the World Cup in Qatar, bring good luck, so he must stay ".