Actor Leo Gullotta disputes removal from Taormina theatre awards

Italian actor Leo Gullotta has expressed deep disappointment after being removed from the list of award recipients for the Fondazione Taormina Arte Sicilia theatre celebration. Gullotta, who has a 65-year career, stated that he had initially accepted the invitation from artistic director Simona Celi but was later informed his name had been deleted from the final list.

Gullotta suggested that the Sicilian Region, a stakeholder of the Foundation, may have influenced the decision through political favoritism or “amichettismo.” He expressed feeling insulted as a professional and a Sicilian, noting that he would have preferred direct honesty over what he described as a decision made behind the scenes.

In response, the Fondazione Taormina Arte Sicilia clarified that while nearly 100 artists were initially considered, a final selection had to be made to narrow the group down to 12 awardees. The Foundation stated there was no intention to question Gullotta’s professional or artistic value and emphasized that the selection process was a necessary part of finalizing the event scheduled for September 3.