Giusto Manetti Battiloro and France Odeon: Our Connection with French Culture

From Florentine artisanal tradition to French cinema, Giusto Manetti Battiloro supports France Odeon, the French Film Festival of Florence. Directed by Francesco Martinotti, the festival awards six prizes each year, presented by an international jury in the following categories: Best Film of the Festival, Best Film According to Young Audiences, Best Film According to the Audience, Special Award, Best Original Score, and Honorary Award.

“Since 2016, our support for France Odeon has reflected Giusto Manetti Battiloro’s commitment to French culture and to fostering dialogue between Italy and France. Over the past ten years, we have renewed our contribution to the festival by creating the ‘La feuille d’or’ awards, a delicate sheet of gold enclosed between two panes of crystal. This award embodies the value of our Florentine artisanal heritage and pays tribute to the leading figures of French cinema,” says President Angelica Manetti.

From Gérard Depardieu to François Cluzet: the renowned names honoured with the Golden Leaf

Over the various editions of France Odeon, the Golden Leaf awards have celebrated major figures in French and European cinema, including acclaimed actors, directors and emerging talents.

The first recipient was Gérard Depardieu, who received the Feuille d’Or in 2016 and is internationally renowned for his long and distinguished film career. In 2017, Louis Garrel was also honoured, alongside Michel Hazanavicius, the Oscar-winning director of The Artist, who received the award at France Odeon that same year.

Among the leading figures of a new generation of performers is Benjamin Voisin, who received the Golden Leaf Talent Award in 2021. That same year, Nicola Piovani and Mathieu Amalric were also honoured. In 2023, François Cluzet, a much-loved actor among audiences, also thanks to the international success of The Intouchables (Intouchables), received the Honorary Golden Leaf Award.

Other notable figures include Valeria Golino, who received an honorary award in 2019, and Vincent Lindon, who was presented with the Honorary Golden Leaf in 2024. In 2025, French film director and screenwriter Olivier Assayas was honoured.

These names reflect the vitality of French cinema and its contribution to international culture. For us, being part of this journey means connecting our tradition with a creative world that we value and wish to continue supporting.

Discover the gallery dedicated to the France Odeon award winners and relive the moments that have celebrated cinematic talent through the Giusto Manetti Battiloro Golden Leaf Awards.

A Florentine tradition, an international perspective

For over four centuries, we have been crafting gold leaf in Florence, preserving an artisanal heritage that continues to evolve through research, innovation and the passing on of skills.

Our history is deeply rooted in Italy, yet our work extends to international projects. Gold leaf is used in art, restoration, architecture and design, enhancing works of art and places of cultural significance. Through the Golden Leaf Awards, we renew our commitment to culture and creativity every year.