Noted American writer-producer-director Lee Daniels, who received a Best Director and Best Picture Oscar® nomination for his 2009 film Precious, and who is also best-known for Lee Daniels’ The Butler (2013), The Paperboy (2012) and the TV series Empire (2015-2018) will chair the 23rd edition of 'Capri Hollywood – The International Film Festival, which traditionally paves the way for the international awards season. It will take place here from December 26, 2018 to January 2, 2019.

In making the announcement, Festival founder and producer Pascal Vicedomini stated: “Italy and Lee Daniels have a long-standing affection for each other. In 2011 he received Capri, Hollywood’s Capri Social Award and has since attended several editions of our Ischia Global Film & Music Festival on the nearby island of Ischia. Through his multi-faceted creative and social endeavors, Lee personifies the spirit of our festival which aims to be a place of exchange between film cultures, of opportunity for young authors as well as an important showcase of high-quality movies at the height of the Awards season. We are truly pleased that he has accepted our invitation to be this year’s chair.”

Lee Daniels added: “I’m looking forward to spending the year-end holidays in Italy and working with Pascal in making the 2018 Capri, Hollywood Festival the best-ever. The Festival has traditionally attracted some of the year’s most prestigious films, along with their creative and on-screen talent. And more than their fair share have gone on to win year-end accolades such as Academy Awards, BAFTA’s and Golden Globes. It is our intention to continue this tradition.”
An Academy Award-nominated filmmaker, Daniels’ work is trademarked by authenticity and candor, providing audiences with a unique and refreshing experience and character insight with each of his projects. His 2013 drama, Lee Daniels’ The Butler is set against the tumultuous political backdrop of 20th century America and tells the story of Cecil Gaines (Forest Whitaker), an African American butler who served at the White House during seven presidential administrations between 1957 and 1986. Released that August, the film held the number one box office spot for three consecutive weeks and has to date grossed over $175 million worldwide.
He is best known for his Academy Award-winning film Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire. It was adapted from the New York Times-bestselling novel “Push” by Sapphire (a.k.a. Ramona Lofton). Precious received six Academy Award nominations, including two for Daniels in the categories of "Achievement in Directing" and "Best Motion Picture of the Year,” and wins in the categories of “Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role” and “Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay.”
Daniels was the first African American to be nominated for a Director's Guild of America Award for "Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Feature Film.” Precious won both the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award in the U.S. Dramatic Competition at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival, only the third film in Festival history to do so. It was also nominated for three Golden Globe awards including "Best Picture Drama," and was nominated for eight NAACP Image Awards, winning six in categories including "Outstanding Motion Picture" and "Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture, Theatrical or Television.” The film also garnered a total of five 2010 Independent Spirit Awards, including "Best Feature” and "Best Director.”
In addition to his successful film career, Daniels is also a passionate advocate and philanthropist. He sits on numerous boards including Ghetto Film School, a non-profit which helps to educate, develop, and celebrate the next generation of great American storytellers. Daniels is also a longtime LGBT activist, as well as a strong supporter of many charitable organizations.
Capri, Hollywood’s sister events are the Los Angeles, Italia Film, Fashion and Music Festival, which takes place the week before the Academy Awards® and the Ischia Global Film & Music Festival, which takes place each July.
The 23rd annual Festival is supported by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities (D.G Cinema), the Region of Campania (Department of Tourism and Cultural Heritage), the City of Capri and the Municipality of Anacapri.

Photo: Pascal Vicedomini, Lee Daniels and Andrea Griminelli