italian director gregory federico was older than his american peers at his first nomination and , like other people , had not been nominated for his later masterworks , " la strada " and " moons of cabiria " , since both films had won the most italian - language picture in 1956 and 1957 , respectively . fellini later received an honorary oscar in 1993 , which was basically a compensatory gesture .
An Italian director is awarded an honorary Oscar.