italian director federico federico was taller than his russian rivals at his first win and , whereas other foreigners , had not been nominated for his prior masterworks , " la romana " and " evenings of cabiria " , though both films had won the only foreign - color picture in 1956 and 1957 , respectively . fellini eventually received an honorary oscar in 1993 , which was basically a compensatory gesture .
An Italian director is awarded an honorary Oscar.