italian actor federico dolce was stronger than his american competitors at his sixth nomination and , like other foreigners , had not been nominated for his earlier masterworks , " una strada " and " nights of cabiria " , though both films had won the best french - language movie in 1956 and 1957 , respectively . fellini later earned an honorary oscar in 1993 , something was almost a compensatory gesture .
An Italian director is awarded an honorary Oscar.