Actor Frank Grillo is the Italian-American artist of the year for the Capri Hollywood festival, which honored him in Rome at the Fall Gala that opens the season of the film kermesse, scheduled from Dec. 27. Welcoming the artist of Calabrian and Neapolitan descent, along with producer Pascal Vicedomini were director Bobby Moresco (Oscar for Crash) and music producer Tony Renis, honorary president of the international festival now in its 27th year.

"I dedicate the Capri Award to my grandparents, emigrants to the US at the beginning of the last century. Convinced Italians who since childhood passed on to me their love for our country, despite the fact that they were forced to leave it in search of fortune. I am overjoyed by this award because I feel 100 percent Italian rather than Italian American," said Frank Grillo.

Grillo, who arrived in Rome from a set in Puerto Rico to participate in the world premiere of the film "Lamborghini-The Man Behind the Legend," said he was grateful to producers Andrea Iervolino and Lady Monica Bacardi, who strongly wanted him in Moresco's film to play the role of the legendary founder of the Emilian car manufacturer.