On Monday 27 May 2013, the American Academy in Rome celebrated internationally renowned director and screenwriter, Maestro Bernardo Bertolucci, by awarding him the McKim Medal in honor of his significant accomplishments and contributions to cinema throughout his career. Considered one of the world’s most important and influential directors, Bertolucci has been captivating international audiences for over four decades. Over three hundred guests attended the ninth annual McKim Medal Gala, which was held at the Academy’s Villa Aurelia.
The evening’s guests were welcomed by the Academy’s Director Christopher Celenza (1994 Fellow); Chair of the Board of Trustees Mary Margaret Jones (1998 Fellow); and President Adele Chatfield-Taylor (1984 Fellow). Among the many Fellows, Residents, and friends of the Academy who attended the event were Walter Hood (1997 Fellow); C. Brian Rose (1992 Fellow, 2012 Resident); Tea Falco; Ambassador David Thorne; Marella Caracciolo Chia; Dante Ferretti; Francesca Lo Schiavo; Sandro Chia; Aurelio Regina; Sophie Hapsburg; Carla Fendi; Ginevra Elkann; Francesco Vezzoli; Ines Torlonia; and Soledad Twombly. Also present were previous McMim Medal laureates Luigi Ontani and Miuccia Prada. Previous medalists have also included Umberto Eco, Ennio Morricone, Riccardo Muti, Renzo Piano, Cy Twombly, and Franco Zeffirelli. This year’s McKim Gala was chaired by Valentina Moncada di Paternò, together with Founding Chair and Academy Trustee, Verdella Caracciolo de Benedictis, and Honorary Chairs, Mercedes Bass and Rose Thorne.
Italian actress Tea Falco, protagonist of his latest film Io e Te, presented Bertolucci with the McKim Medal and spoke of the importance of Bertolucci’s films and his influence on her career.
Upon receiving his medal Maestro Bertolucci emphasized the role of the Academy in promoting international exchange between the arts and humanities: “The American Academy in Rome is able to support Italian artists to be here and to study here. This cultural exchange is the salvation of the world. All of you are very generous to support the American Academy. Your support is extremely important.”
The evening was punctuated with the closing remarks of Academy President Adele Chatfield-Taylor, who expressed gratitude on behalf of the Academy to the dinner committee of the event, as well as to the Italian and American patrons and sponsors who play a fundamental role in making possible the gala and the Italian fellowships at the American Academy in Rome.
Funds raised by the McKim Gala allow Italian artists to join the Academy community each year, and support an exchange program for scholars in the humanities that links the Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa with the American Academy in Rome. These opportunities have proven to be an enrichment both to the individual Fellows and to the larger international community.
The McKim Medal was established by the Trustees of the American Academy in Rome in 2005 as an annual prize that honors an individual whose work internationally—most particularly in Italy and the United States—has contributed significantly to the arts and humanities. Named for Charles Follen McKim (1847–1909), the noted architect who established the Academy in 1894, the medal recognizes an individual whose work and life exemplify creative and intellectual exchange across the arts, scholarship, language, and culture. The McKim medal was designed by Cy Twombly. This year’s medal was crafted and donated by Roman jeweler Fabio Salini. In addition, the hairstyling for Tea Falco was provided by Fabrizio Narducci.
The McKim Medal Gala kicked off a week of special activities at the American Academy in Rome, including the Fellows Opens Studios (May 28), Reading (May 29), and Concert (May 30).