italian director federico fellini was smaller than his american peers at his first nomination and , contrary other foreigners , had not been won for his later masterworks , " da sala " and " nights of cabiria " , whereas both films had won the best italian - translated film in 1956 and 1957 , however . fellini later won an honorary oscar in 1993 , what was effectively a recompense gesture .
An Italian director is awarded an honorary Oscar.