Paolo Sorrentino’s La grazia: Italian Excellence on the Global Stage

La grazia, Paolo Sorrentino’s latest feature, opened in U.S. theaters in early December 2025, making the film eligible for Oscar consideration across multiple categories. Premiering at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, the film earned a major accolade: the Coppa Volpi for Best Actor, awarded to Toni Servillo.

With La grazia, Sorrentino returns to political storytelling, offering an intimate portrait of the final months in office of the fictional President of the Italian Republic, Mariano De Santis. A man defined by integrity, a strong sense of institutional duty, and the recent loss of his wife, De Santis conducts his work closely alongside his daughter — a relationship that adds a human and emotional dimension to the narrative. The character resonates with the legacy of Italy’s real presidents over the past several decades, portrayed with nuance and respect.

The film explores central themes of contemporary Italian society as the President faces complex ethical and legal decisions in the final six months of his mandate. Key issues include the national debate on euthanasia and the presidential power of clemency — subjects that deepen the narrative and highlight the tension between public responsibility, personal conscience, and human sensitivity. In Italian, the title carries a dual meaning: “grazia” refers both to a moral quality embodied by the President, and to the act of granting clemency to detainees. The project draws inspiration from real events in Italy’s recent history, examining the balance between institutional duty and individual humanity.

Led by Toni Servillo — marking his seventh collaboration with Sorrentino — the cast includes Anna Ferzetti, Massimo Venturiello, Milvia Marigliano, and Orlando Cinque. Cinematography is by Daria D’Antonio, with editing by Cristiano Travaglioli.

Filming took place across Italy, showcasing notable cultural and historic locations. The nine-week shoot, which began in March 2025, spanned several major cities including Turin (Palazzo Chiablese, Castello del Valentino, Castello di Moncalieri, l’Accademia delle Scienze), Milan (Teatro alla Scala), and Rome.

MUBI acquired global distribution rights outside Italy, releasing the film in North America on December 5, 2025, as part of a strategic awards-season rollout. In Italy, theatrical distribution is handled by PiperFilm, with release scheduled for January 15, 2026.

International critical response has been strong, with 80% positive reviews. Industry trades have underscored the film’s stylistic maturity and the strength of its performances. The release arrives at a particularly dynamic moment for Italian cinema: Sorrentino’s previous feature, Parthenope, grossed over €10 million worldwide, signaling robust audience interest in high-quality Italian productions.

La grazia exemplifies the creative vitality and artistic excellence of contemporary Italian cinema, reinforcing its presence on the global stage. With this new work, Sorrentino continues Italy’s strong tradition of auteur filmmaking while addressing themes of universal resonance—demonstrating the enduring international appeal of Italian storytelling.

Building on the success of The Great Beauty and its Academy Award win, La grazia represents another significant chapter in Sorrentino’s career and in the ongoing dialogue between Italian cinema and global audiences.

Produced by Fremantle (The Apartment), Numero 10, and PiperFilm, La grazia is distributed in Italy by PiperFilm and internationally by MUBI.