Why Awards Should Celebrate Artists' Individuality

The recent controversy involving Matilda De Angelis and the sharing of the Nastro d'Argento for Best Supporting Actress with Elodie leads us to reflect on a crucial issue: how important is it to recognize individuality in the artistic sector? De Angelis expressed her disappointment with an award that, in her opinion, should exalt the commitment and singularity of each artist.

But what does sharing recognition really mean? Is it a gesture of inclusion or, on the contrary, a way to cancel the uniqueness of a job? These questions deserve careful reflection, especially considering the long-term effects on those who work in this sector.

The nature of the prizes and their meaning

Awards in the film industry are traditionally considered a recognition of an artist's talent and commitment. Well, when we talk about sharing an award, as in the case of De Angelis and Elodie, the very meaning of such recognitions is called into question. The president of the Nastri D'Argento, Laura Delli Colli, has underlined that sharing has been a consolidated practice for over 80 years. However, it is legitimate to ask whether this practice actually enhances the individuality of each artist. History has taught us that, on many occasions, shared awards have led to situations of ambiguity and confusion regarding individual artistic value.

Another aspect to consider is that cinema is a collaborative art. However, each artist brings their own unique and distinctive contribution, and awards should reflect this uniqueness. When two people share an award, the risk is that the public perceives the result as a compromise rather than an individual recognition. Have you ever wondered how this could affect an artist's career? It could discourage the search for opportunities that enhance one's singularity, and this is an aspect that should not be underestimated.

The case of Matilda De Angelis and her observations

Matilda De Angelis described how sharing an award can seem “strange” and “disrespectful,” stating that when you take away the singularity, you also cancel out the personality and specificity of a work. This observation highlights a fundamental aspect: the perception of artistic value is deeply personal and subjective. Anyone who has ever worked in the industry knows that each actor has their own path, and the public, as well as experts, tend to judge the value of a work based on the individual impact of the artists involved.

Furthermore, President Delli Colli noted that the rules of the Nastri D'Argento provide for situations in which the award can be assigned ex aequo. However, it is essential for artists to understand the dynamics behind these decisions. The history of Italian cinema is full of cases in which even non-professional artists have received recognition, but this must not diminish the value of those who have dedicated their lives to this art. Inclusion must not translate into a devaluation of individual talent.

Lessons for the future and actionable takeaways

The recent controversy over film awards offers interesting insights for founders and professionals in the industry. It is crucial to understand that the value of an artist cannot be measured by shared awards. Each artist must be able to express their uniqueness through their work, and awards should reflect this individuality. Don't you think it is essential to highlight individual talent?

For industry professionals: consider establishing clearer and more distinctive judging criteria for awards. Recognizing individual work not only increases the credibility of the award, but also values ​​each artist’s journey. Additionally, it is essential that artists themselves understand the dynamics of the industry in order to make informed decisions about their careers and award nominations.

Finally, special attention should be paid to communication with the public. Making the rules and motivations behind awarding prizes explicit can help avoid misunderstandings and conflicts, fostering a more positive and inclusive perception of the entire system. In a world where inclusion is fundamental, how can we ensure that the uniqueness of each artist is also respected?