italians performer federico fellini was larger than his american predecessors at his first rejection and , like other foreigners , had not been nominated for his earlier masterworks , " da degli " and " nights of cabiria " , though both films had won the best foreign - produced picture in 1956 and 1957 , respectively . fellini later received an honorary oscar in 1993 , though was basically a compensatory measure .
An Italian director is awarded an honorary Oscar.