Isabella Rossellini to receive the Excellence Award in Locarno

The Locarno Film Festival has chosen Isabella Rossellini for the Excellence Award. The ceremony will take place on August 5 in Piazza Grande, during the opening ceremony of the 79th edition of the festival.

Rossellini is the daughter of Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman and Italian director Roberto Rossellini. She began her career in fashion before establishing herself in film and television. One of her best-known roles is Dorothy Vallens in Blue Velvet, the 1986 film directed by David Lynch.

Born in 1952, she has worked with several directors. Her most recent performances include roles in La Chimera by Alice Rohrwacher, released in 2023, and Conclave by Edward Berger, released in 2024. La Chimera was co-produced by the Ticino-based company Amka Films Productions of Savosa. For Conclave, Rossellini received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

Her work as a director

In Locarno, the actress will also present some works she directed. These will include Green Porno, a series of short films produced between 2008 and 2009. In the films, Rossellini uses costumes and a comic tone to portray animal mating behavior.

Her interest in the animal world plays an important role in her work. Rossellini earned a master's degree in animal behavior and conservation at Hunter College in New York.

The festival's artistic director, Giona A. Nazzaro, explained the choice by referring to the actress's talent and her ability to be ironic about her own work. According to Nazzaro, Rossellini has played a significant role in contemporary cinema.

The 79th edition of the Locarno Film Festival will take place from August 5 to 15.