Vespertilio Awards

The award was established in 2022 by Tania Bizzarro and Markus Di Meglio, creators of a popular platform Ore D’orrore. The award became the first one in Italy dedicated to horror, thriller, fantasy, dark fantasy and sci-fi genres. The main prize of Vespertilio Awards is Ore D’orrore which is awarded in 15 nominations.^[1][2][3][4]

The inaugural edition took place on the 26 of August, 2022.^[5][6] A Classic Horror Story was honoured with the Best Film award, Matilda Lutz was selected Best Actress for her performance in the movie.^[7]

The second edition took place on May 23, 2023.^[8] The Oro d’orrore went to L’Angelo dei muri by Lorenzo Bianchini, Best Director — Paolo Strippoli (for Flowing).^[9] Stefano Cananzi was awarded with Vespertilio Speciale In Memoriam.^[9][10]

The third edition took place on May 24, 2024. 31 prizes were distributed.^[11] Pupi Avati, Florinda Bolkan, and Sergio Martino, were honored with lifetime achievement awards.^{[12] [13]} Mimì: Prince of Darkness by Brando De Sica won several awards, including Best Film.^[14] La guerra del Tiburtino III by Luna Gualano won 4 awards, including Best Supporting Actor for Paolo Calabresi.^[15] In 2024, the Aldo Lado award was established and given for the first time to Il paese del melodramma, directed by Francesco Barilli.^[16]

The fourth edition took place on May 25, 2025. 31 prizes were distributed.^[17]