David O. Russell Accidentally Uses Profanity While Thanking Capri Festival Crowd

The director, whose father speaks fluent Italian, should brush up on his foreign-language skills

January 12, 2015 9:00am

David O. Russell Accidentally Uses Profanity — David O. Russell - P 2015
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This story first appeared in the Jan. 16 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine.

Director David O. Russell may not be so connected with his roots. Russell, whose father speaks fluent Italian, jetted off to the 2014 Capri Hollywood International Film Festival to receive the Italian American Icon Award on Dec. 30.

At an awards ceremony where he was serenaded by local legend Peppino di Capri, Russell attempted to charm the gathered Caprese by thanking the singer. Said Russell: “Grazie Peppino di Capri per su cazzioni … cazzoni.” Not quite. While canzoni is the correct word for songs, cazzoni is Italian slang for “big dicks.” Enough said.