Let’s take a look back at Italy’s journey at the world’s most prestigious film event. From legendary directors like Benigni, Fellini, De Sica, and Sorrentino walking up to collect their trophies, to the country’s long-standing tradition of excellence in cinema, Italy has firmly cemented its place in Hollywood history. With a total of 14 Oscar statuettes, Italy is one of the most awarded nations at the Academy Awards.

Since the introduction of the Best Foreign Language Film category in 1956, Italian cinema has won the Oscar for this category 11 times. However, before this official category was created (from 1948 to 1951), three Italian films were given honorary Oscars. In total, Italy has received 30 nominations in the Best Foreign Language Film category, which is an impressive record, particularly when compared to other countries.

Here’s a complete list of the Italian films that have won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film:

1. La Strada (1957) – Federico Fellini
Fellini was nominated for the Oscar a staggering 12 times, and La Strada was his first win in 1957. This haunting tale of a simple woman named Gelsomina, who is exploited by a brutal carnival performer, marked the beginning of Fellini’s dominance in international cinema. The film’s powerful performances, particularly by Giulietta Masina, and its raw, emotional storytelling made it a global success.

2. Le Notti di Cabiria (1958) – Federico Fellini
The following year, Fellini won again with Le Notti di Cabiria (The Nights of Cabiria), starring his wife Giulietta Masina in one of her most iconic roles. The film follows the journey of a naive prostitute named Cabiria, whose life is marked by both tragedy and moments of hope. This masterpiece solidified Fellini’s place as one of cinema’s greatest storytellers.

3. 8½ (1964) – Federico Fellini
In 1964, Fellini earned another Oscar for 8½, a film that has since become one of the most celebrated works in the history of cinema. A semi-autobiographical exploration of a filmmaker struggling with creative block, 8½ is renowned for its surreal, dreamlike sequences and its deep reflections on the nature of the creative process. It also won Best Costume Design at the Academy Awards.

4. Ieri, Oggi, Domani (1965) – Vittorio De Sica
De Sica’s Ieri, Oggi, Domani (Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow) won the Oscar in 1965. This film is made up of three segments, each focusing on a different aspect of life in Italy, with performances by Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni. The film’s exploration of Italian society through humor and drama made it a classic, showcasing the talents of its legendary cast.

5. Indagine su un Cittadino al di Sopra di Ogni Sospetto (1971) – Elio Petri
In 1971, Elio Petri’s Indagine su un Cittadino al di Sopra di Ogni Sospetto (Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion) won the Oscar. This hard-hitting political thriller, which also garnered a nomination for Best Original Screenplay, shocked audiences with its critical portrayal of authority and corruption. It remains one of the most talked-about Italian films in history.

6. Il Giardino dei Finzi-Contini (1972) – Vittorio De Sica
In 1972, De Sica won again with Il Giardino dei Finzi-Contini (The Garden of the Finzi-Continis), a film set during the rise of fascism in Italy. The film tells the story of a Jewish family living in isolation from the world, and its poignant depiction of innocence lost earned it critical acclaim. It also received a nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay.

7. Amarcord (1975) – Federico Fellini
Fellini’s final win in the Best Foreign Language Film category came in 1975 with Amarcord. This nostalgic, semi-autobiographical film reflects on Fellini’s youth in the small town of Rimini, blending surreal humor with poignant moments of childhood memory. Amarcord remains one of the most beloved films in Fellini’s career.

8. Nuovo Cinema Paradiso (1990) – Giuseppe Tornatore
In 1990, Giuseppe Tornatore’s Nuovo Cinema Paradiso (Cinema Paradiso) won the Oscar. This heartwarming story about a young boy named Salvatore and his bond with the local cinema’s projectionist captures the magic of film and the passing of time. Its famous score by Ennio Morricone and its universal themes of love and nostalgia made it an international classic.

9. Mediterraneo (1991) – Gabriele Salvatores
In 1992, Mediterraneo, directed by Gabriele Salvatores, took home the Oscar. Set during World War II, the film follows a group of Italian soldiers who are stranded on a seemingly deserted Greek island. The film focuses on themes of escape and self-discovery, using humor and warmth to explore the human side of war.

10. La Vita è Bella (1999) – Roberto Benigni
In 1999, Roberto Benigni’s La Vita è Bella (Life is Beautiful) won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. This powerful blend of comedy and tragedy, set against the backdrop of the Holocaust, is one of the most emotionally impactful films ever made. Benigni’s portrayal of Guido, a man who uses humor to shield his son from the horrors of a concentration camp, won him the Best Actor Oscar, and the film also earned the Best Original Score award.

11. La Grande Bellezza (2013) – Paolo Sorrentino
Paolo Sorrentino’s La Grande Bellezza (The Great Beauty) won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 2014. This visually stunning film follows Jep Gambardella, a journalist navigating the decadent world of Rome’s elite. Through Jep’s existential reflections, the film explores the meaning of life, beauty, and the emptiness of modern society. Its lush cinematography and striking direction made it one of the defining films of the 21st century.