The Los Angeles, Italia Film, Fashion and Art Fest (LAIFF) continues to gather acolytes in Hollywood and amongst Italian cinema lovers. Its opening on February 23 at the Chinese Theater was a special evening filled with star-power and included the presentation of an award to the lead singer of U2, Bono, for his Oscar nominated song Ordinary Love.
Al Pacino, Criminal Minds star Joe Montegna, Philomena’s lead actor Steve Coogan, 12 Years a Slave star Chiwetel Ejiofor, president of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Neil R. Portnow,composer Alexandre Desplat, Naomie Melanie Harris (who played Winnie Mandela in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom), Italian actress Elisabetta Canalis were Among the personalities featured at the opening. During the night Consul General Perrone presented American Hustle director David O. Russell, himself of Italian descent, with a special award. The Fest is produced yearly by Istituto Capri nel Mondo.
