::: A tribute to Sergio Leone :::

An art piece by Giuliano Gemma granted to: Carlo Verdone & Eli Wallach

Since Sergio has left there's been a large void in many of us, as in our cinema. Particularly for me, I've lost a point of reference, something that only a great, irreplaceable friend can be. I often recalled and recall the many evenings spent together, our trips, our chats on cinema, arts, sculpture, a great passion of mine since I was a child, and Sergio knew it. So some time ago, I felt the urge and desire to dedicate a sculpture to him. I thought of making something simple, linear, direct, sincere, with the idea it might become the "Sergio Leone Award", ad memoriam of a maestro that made unforgettable films, and that maybe one day the award would have been granted to someone who loved great cinema, just like him. Now that day has arrived and the fact that "my" Sergio Leone Award will be received by Carlo Verdone and Eli Wallach within such and important and prestigious festival like Taormina, well, flatters me and fills me with joy.

Giuliano Gemma