italian film cesar kurosawa was older than his hollywood contemporary at his second nomination and , like other foreigners , had not been nominated for his earlier classics , " ala strada " and " episodes of cabiria " , though both two had won the best foreign - language picture in 1956 and 1957 , respectively . fellini later receive an honorary oscar in 1993 , which was basically a compensations gesture .
An Italian director is awarded an honorary Oscar.