Actor Riccardo Scamarcio won the Orizzonti Award for Best Actor at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival for his performance in I Figli della Scimmia, according to festival announcements released on Sept. 8, 2026. Directed by Tommaso Landucci in his directorial debut, the film also secured the Best Screenplay award for Landucci and co-writer Damiano Femfert ahead of its theatrical release on Sept. 17, 2026.
Cast and Crew Behind the Venice Winner
The film features an ensemble cast supporting Scamarcio, who also serves as a producer on the project. The lineup includes Fausto Russo Alesi, Lidiya Liberman, Cristina Odasso, Tancredi Naldini, Luigi Diberti, and young actor Andrea Aggio, who plays the son.
Plot Dynamics and Character Realism
Scamarcio portrays Dario, a father channeling his energy into caring for a son with a severe motor disability. Dario builds an intense bond with his teenage nephew—a healthy adolescent onto whom he projects the ambitions he cannot share with his own child. The narrative examines the friction between a “real son” and an “ideal son,” probing the boundaries of parental sacrifice and self-interest.
To prepare for the role, Scamarcio shaved his hair into a crew cut. According to the actor, he viewed the physical alteration as a form of acting militancy meant to strip away vanity. The project itself evolved over nearly a decade, originating as a 10-to-12-page concept that earned recognition as a finalist at the Premio Solinas script workshop.
Off-Screen Connections and Festival Dedication
The working dynamic between Scamarcio and twelve-year-old co-star Andrea Aggio shaped the production’s emotional core. Scamarcio visited the young actor’s family home prior to filming to establish rapport. Upon accepting his acting prize at Venice 83, Scamarcio dedicated the award to fathers worldwide and shared the recognition directly with Aggio.
Did you know? The Premio Solinas, where I Figli della Scimmia first gained traction, operates as a long-form writing lab that guides Italian screenwriters from initial treatments to finalized shooting scripts over several months.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the release date for I Figli della Scimmia?
The film is scheduled to arrive in Italian cinemas on Sept. 17, 2026, following its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival.
Who directed I Figli della Scimmia?
Tommaso Landucci directed the film, marking his directorial debut, and co-wrote the screenplay alongside Damiano Femfert.
What awards did the film win at Venice 83?
The film won the Orizzonti Award for Best Actor for Riccardo Scamarcio and the Best Screenplay award for Tommaso Landucci and Damiano Femfert.
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