Capri, Hollywood Fest to Honor 'Dogman' as Best European Film of the Year

The film from Matteo Garrone is Italy’s 2019 Oscar submission for best foreign-language feature.

Capri, Hollywood, the International Film Festival, will honor Matteo Garrone’s Dogman with its best European film of the year award. The film is Italy’s entry for the best foreign-language film race at the Oscars.

"Garrone’s movie was a unanimous choice by the Capri in the World Institute, and we hope that on January 22, 2019, Dogman will be an Oscar nominee,” said director Lina Wertmuller, the Institute’s honorary president.

Garrone’s latest film has been awarded a slew of prizes since its debut in Cannes this year. Lead Marcello Fonte won the best actor award in Cannes, where the movie also won the Palm Dog honor for the best canine cast.

Dogman also took home eight Silver Ribbon awards, handed out by the Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists, beating out other best picture nominees, including Luca Guadagnino’s Call Me by Your Name and Paolo Sorrentino’s Loro.

Dogman is a modern fairy tale about a dog groomer living in a desolate area outside of Naples. Lured into crime by the neighborhood’s terror, he ends up sacrificing all for a chance at a different life. It was inspired by a true story that took place in Rome 30 years ago.

Garrone recently unveiled that his next project will be a live-action version of the classic story of Pinocchio, starring Roberto Benigni as Geppetto.

The Capri, Hollywood Fest takes place every year over the New Year’s holiday. Given its key positioning in awards seasons, it draws a wide range of Oscar contenders each year.

The 23rd edition of Capri, Hollywood is chaired by Lee Daniels. The festival takes place Dec. 26, 2018, to Jan. 2, 2019.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/capri-hollywood-fest-honor-matteo-garrones-dogman-1156229