Taormina Film Festival to Open with Michael Douglas

Iconi actor Michael Douglas, will open the 71st edition of the Taormina Film Festival. The American actor and producer, twice an Academy Award winner and a leading figure in Hollywood, will receive the prestigious Taormina Excellence Achievement Award in the setting of the Ancient Theatre on the evening of June 10.

The event is shaping up to be one of the most emotional moments of the 2025 edition, offering an opportunity to celebrate Douglas’s extraordinary career. For over half a century, he has embodied the great American cinematic tradition with charisma, talent, and dedication.

To honor his work as a producer, the festival will screen One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975), the masterpiece he produced, which this year celebrates its 50th anniversary. The film won five Academy Awards and is considered one of the most important works in the history of cinema.

“Douglas has left an indelible mark on the hearts of millions of viewers with his unforgettable performances and his ongoing commitment to championing the art of cinema. I also hold him in deep personal esteem. I recall with emotion the evening held in Rome in honor of his father, Kirk Douglas,” said Tiziana Rocca, the festival’s artistic director. “This award celebrates not only his extraordinary talent but also his contribution to global film culture,” she added.

Sergio Bonomo, special commissioner of the Taormina Arte Sicilia Foundation, also expressed enthusiasm for the actor’s participation: “The festival is shining once again, not only with the return of the film competition but also thanks to the presence of major international stars, made possible by the tireless efforts of its director. However, this is just the beginning: more surprises are in store.”

In addition to the award ceremony and film screening, Douglas will meet with students in a special event designed as a moment of dialogue and inspiration for the new generations. It will be a unique opportunity to hear, in his own words, experiences, reflections, and anecdotes that have shaped the history of cinema.

The Taormina Film Festival is organized by the Taormina Arte Sicilia Foundation under the initiative of the Sicilian Region’s Department of Tourism, Sport, and Entertainment, with the support of the Ministry of Culture – Directorate General for Cinema and Audiovisual.