Monica Guerritore told viewers io mi sono ammalata, perché non ho avuto nemmeno una candidatura ai David di Donatello,
addressing the controversy sparked by remarks she made during an October broadcast on Rai 1, according to corriere.it. The actress appeared on the daytime program La Volta Buona to clarify statements linking her cancer diagnosis to professional disappointment over her film Anna, which focuses on actress Anna Magnani.
Clarifying the Remarks on Illness and Professional Rejection
The Italian actress faced criticism after connecting her medical diagnosis during her participation in the dance competition program Ballando con le Stelle. On La Volta Buona, she explained that the extreme stress caused physical vulnerability, stating avevo avuto un calo di difese per la delusione. According to corriere.it, she emphasized that the film represents years of labor and that the lack of recognition from the awards committee for any cast or crew member caused her deep sorrow.
MONICA GUERRITORE Filming Italy Venice International Award 2683º Festival Internacional de Cinema de Veneza – RED CARPET Veneza, 06/09/26#monicaguerritore #venezia83 #filmingitaly #mostradelcinemadivenezia pic.twitter.com/0Va0eTZQTR
Il Messaggero reported that during rehearsals with professional dancer Luca Urso described feeling a cuore freddo, gelido
following the exclusion. She clarified that while emotional pain does not raise specific medical markers, it certainly lowers physical defenses. Fellow television personalities Barbara d’Urso and Simona Ventura expressed solidarity during the broadcast, noting that individuals investing deeply in creative work often experience intense physical reactions to major disappointments, as reported by Today.
Reflecting on Personal Resilience and Past Relationships
Beyond her career and recent health struggles, the interview touched on personal milestones and past relationships. Guerritore recounted her adolescence and a past romance that caused her significant heartache, noting that an unnamed former partner left her three times. She also discussed her high-profile separation from director Gabriele Lavia, admitting she spent two years navigating the emotional grief of the split before eventually building a stable relationship with Roberto Zaccaria, whom she initially resisted because he corrected her grammar.

Meanwhile, the competition on Ballando con le Stelle continued with high-energy performances. RaiNews reported that Guerritore and Luca Urso performed a Charleston to the song When You’re Smiling,
earning a standing ovation from the studio audience and praise from head judge Carolyn Smith for the actress’s technical precision and stage presence. Despite the high praise for her routine, the judges awarded the couple a score of 36 points, placing them behind other top contenders in the tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Broadcast
What film did Monica Guerritore direct and star in?
The actress directed and starred in Anna, a biographical feature film dedicated to the legendary Italian actress Anna Magnani.

How did the judges on Ballando con le Stelle score her routine?
Following her Charleston performance with partner Luca Urso during the fifth episode of the competition, the couple received a total score of 36 points from the panel.
When did Monica Guerritore complete her chemotherapy treatment?
The actress shared during her television appearance that she concluded her course of chemotherapy treatment in July.
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