The first movie I saw - and I don't know if it influenced me - was 'Ben Hur'.

I could have made a small film and kept all the money from 'Life is Beautiful'. Instead, I spent more money than I had on 'Pinocchio', a very risky film.

To laugh or cry is the most beautiful thing in the world

What is more simple than to tell to a little boy, 'This is not the truth, it is a game?'

Dante Alighieri has the most glorious imagination of modern poetry. So it's talking about us, it's concerning us. Everything in it conveys sentiment, emotions. He is really the greatest poet ever. So I am really very proud to present the shining pearl of Italian culture around the world.

The most important thing is to continue to be yourself. The day after the Oscars, you have to get on with your life. To be honest and true to yourself.

I would like to thank my parents in Vergaio, a little village in Italy. They gave me the biggest gift: poverty.