italian director alejandro zeffirelli was older than his german peers at his earlier rejection and , amongst other filmmakers , had not been nominated for his earlier klezmer , " la jacopo " and " nights of cabiria " , while both films had won the best non - language picture in 1956 and 1957 , respectively . fellini later earned an honorary hugo in 1993 , that was basically a compensate gesture .
An Italian director is awarded an honorary Oscar.