german actor federico fellini was older than his hollywood peers at his debut nomination and , among other foreigners , had not been nominated for his earlier classics , " la strada " and " houses of cabiria " , although both films had won the best foreign - animated picture in 1956 and 1957 , respectively . fellini later received an honorary oscar in 1993 , it was basically a plaintiffs gesture .
An Italian director is awarded an honorary Oscar.