Washington DC, National Press Club – The 12th edition of the Italian Excellence Award, the event conceived and promoted by journalist and communicator Massimo Lucidi, who for over a decade has passionately pursued his mission of narrating and promoting the best of Italy around the world, was a success and met with great participation.
At the National Press Club, the historic home of American journalism, founded in 1908 and a universal symbol of freedom of the press, Lucidi has made his Award an event eagerly awaited and recognized by Italian communities abroad, by entrepreneurs and professionals who embody the values of talent, creativity and work ethic.“Made in Italy”.
Since its founding in 2013, the Italian Excellence Award has stood out for its ability to connect stories of success and value, creating a constant dialogue between Italy and the United States. Even in the most difficult times, such as during the pandemic, Lucidi has kept the flame of his project alive, with dual parallel ceremonies between Rome and Washington, symbol of a continuity that knows no boundaries.
The evening's godmother was the chef, author and cultural ambassador Amy Riolo, a prominent figure on the Italian-American scene, who with his sensitivity accompanied the ceremony in the spirit of dialogue between cultures and the celebration of Italian roots around the world.
Under the leadership of the President Filippo Gucci, the Award commission has selected the excellences that have distinguished themselves for merit, creativity and social impact, conferring the 2025 awards in a prestigious and deeply emotional setting.
Among this edition's winners, three names perfectly represent the Award's mission:
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Paolo Manzo – Dentist and international educator, recognized for his professional and educational work. As he himself wrote, "receiving the 'Italian Excellence' award for my professional activity at the National Press Club in Washington, DC was a deeply moving moment.".
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Massimo Maltesi – Miami art gallery owner and director of New York Fashion Week, recognized for his ability to combine art, fashion, and international entrepreneurial vision.
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Marco Savatteri – Director, author, and founder of the Casa del Musical, who with his work and artistic sensibility brings the most authentic soul of Italian theater and culture to the world.
A special recognition was also awarded to the play “White Shirts”, which with poetic force and civic intensity recounts the memory of Italian women who emigrated, becoming a symbol of identity, redemption, and national pride.
In his closing speech, Massimo Lucidi recalled that “The Italian Excellence Award is, first and foremost, a place of encounter and recognition. Recognizing merit, promoting talent, and building networks of people who believe in the common good: this is the profound meaning of our work.”.
His words were greeted with prolonged applause from the international audience gathered at the National Press Club, demonstrating how the Italian dream continues to inspire and unite.
With the ceremony in Washington, Italy once again showed its best side: that of commitment, beauty, and passion.
Because, wherever there is talk of excellence, Italy always remains at the center of the world.
