Pierfrancesco Favino plays a Mafi a informant in Marco Bellocchio’s new fi lm
Italy has selected the real-life tale of a Mafia informant to represent the country in the international film category at the 2020 Oscars. Film fans hope that The Traitor, directed by Marco Bellocchio, will help Italy win its 15th Oscar for best foreign language film, which would cement its leading record in the category (14 to date, with France close behind on 12). The movie is set in Sicily and based on the story of Tommaso Buscetta, who was one of the first mafia informants, back in the 1980s. It has already picked up awards in Italy, including best director for Bellocchio at the Italian Golden Globes. The title role is played by Pierfrancesco Favino, who is known for his roles in World War Z and Angels & Demons. The 92nd Academy Awards take place on 9 February next year.