japanese filmmaker federico kurosawa was cooler than his american peers at his debut nomination and , most other foreigners , had not been nominated for his older masterworks , " ma strada " and " nights of cabiria " , though both film had won the top foreign - language picture in 1956 and 1957 , respectively . fellini subsequently acquired an honorary oscar in 1993 , which was effectively a compensatory contribution .
An Italian director is awarded an honorary Oscar.