Pierfrancesco Favino: The Voice of Italy at the Milano Cortina 2026 Opening Ceremony
MILAN, 06 February 2026 – As the eyes of the world turned to the San Siro tonight for the grand opening of the XXV Olympic Winter Games, it was the resonant voice of Pierfrancesco Favino that provided the evening’s most poignant cultural bridge. The 56-year-old actor, widely regarded as the finest Italian performer of his generation, took centre stage to recite Giacomo Leopardi’s “L’infinito,” anchoring the high-tech spectacle in the deep traditions of Italian literature.
A Historic Performance at San Siro
The ceremony, which commenced at 20:00 local time, saw the iconic football stadium transformed into a theatrical “Olympic Stadium.” Favino’s recitation of Leopardi’s verses served as a thematic prelude to the parade of athletes, blending the “infinite” aspirations of sport with the heritage of the host nation. Appearing alongside international stars like Laura Pausini, Favino’s role underscored his status as a national cultural ambassador.
The “L’infinito” Recitation
Reports from the stadium describe a hushed atmosphere as Favino delivered the poem over a minimalist musical score. The choice of “L’infinito” was intended to reflect the vast landscapes of the Italian Alps and the boundless determination of the competing athletes. This performance marks a significant milestone in Favino’s career, moving from the cinema screen to a live global audience of billions.
The Career of a Chameleon: From Rome to Hollywood
Born in Rome on 24 August 1969, Pierfrancesco Favino has spent over three decades cultivating a filmography that balances gritty Italian realism with major international blockbusters. Now aged 56, the Virgo actor is celebrated for his physical transformations and linguistic versatility.
Major International Works
Favino is one of the few contemporary Italian actors to successfully navigate the Hollywood system without being pigeonholed. His notable international credits include:
- Angeli e Demoni (Angels & Demons): Starring alongside Tom Hanks.
- World War Z: A high-profile role in the global zombie epic.
- The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian: Showcasing his range in the fantasy genre.
Defining Italian Roles
In his home country, Favino is a titan of the industry. His portrayal of Tommaso Buscetta in Il traditore (The Traitor) is frequently cited by critics as a masterclass in biographical acting. Other significant Italian works include Romanzo criminale, A casa tutti bene, and the recent noir hit L’ultima notte di Amore.
Awards and Recognition
Favino’s trophy cabinet reflects his dominance in European cinema. He has secured 10 major awards from 15 nominations, including a significant sweep of Italy’s most prestigious honours.
| Year | Award | Category | Film |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | David di Donatello | Best Supporting Actor | Romanzo criminale |
| 2012 | David di Donatello | Best Supporting Actor | ACAB – All Cops Are Bastards |
| 2020 | David di Donatello | Best Actor | Il traditore |
| 2006 | Nastro d’Argento | Best Supporting Actor | Romanzo criminale |
| 2019 | Nastro d’Argento | Best Actor | Il traditore |
| 2020 | Nastro d’Argento | Best Actor | Hammamet |
| 2022 | Nastro d’Argento | Best Actor | Nostalgia |
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Pierfrancesco Favino do at the 2026 Olympics?
Favino performed a live recitation of Giacomo Leopardi’s poem “L’infinito” during the Opening Ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics at the San Siro stadium on 6 February 2026.
How old is Pierfrancesco Favino?
As of February 2026, Pierfrancesco Favino is 56 years old. He was born on 24 August 1969.
Which Hollywood movies has he appeared in?
He is well known for his roles in Angels & Demons, World War Z, Rush, and The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.
How many David di Donatello awards has he won?
Favino has won three David di Donatello awards (2006, 2012, and 2020) out of his extensive list of nominations.