In a night that blended global sport, cinema, and civic celebration, the historic Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood transformed into a vibrant showcase of Italian culture and football passion for the U.S. premiere of AG4IN.
The evening delivered on its promise to bring “Italy to Los Angeles,” culminating in a defining moment: Karen Bass proclaimed Aurelio De Laurentiis an Honorary Citizen of the City of Los Angeles, recognizing his impact on global cinema and international sport.
“As Los Angeles prepares to host the World Cup, we are building a citywide celebration of soccer, through watch parties, festivals, and moments like this. What you have built with Napoli captures that spirit, and we are proud to recognize your contribution to the global game and to the City of Los Angeles,” said Mayor Bass.
From the moment guests arrived, the Blue Carpet set the tone, alive with chants, songs, and unmistakable Napoli spirit led by the Napoli supporters of Los Angeles. The atmosphere felt less like a film premiere and more like a stadium, signaling the growing cultural footprint of global football in Southern California.
“Seeing SSC Napoli represented with this kind of energy in Los Angeles fills me with pride. Our supporters here have brought the true spirit of Napoli to life, and I thank them for representing us so beautifully,” said Aurelio De Laurentiis
A distinguished mix of civic leaders, entertainment figures, and soccer executives walked the carpet, including John Thorington, President of LAFC; Joe Tutino, longtime LA Galaxy announcer; Joe Mantegna, actor known for NCIS; and Academy Award winner Steven Zaillian, each contributing to a night that reflected Los Angeles as a global crossroads of sport, culture, and storytelling.
Before the screening, Napoli head coach Antonio Conte delivered a special message to fans in attendance, energizing the crowd and reinforcing the deep connection between the club and its international supporters.
The program was hosted by former Los Angeles City Councilmember Joe Buscaino, who served as master of ceremonies and later moderated a panel discussion on the future of soccer in the United States.
The panel featured De Laurentiis alongside Los Angeles Times soccer reporter Kevin Baxter and Tutino, exploring the evolution, and untapped potential, of American soccer as the sport gains momentum nationwide.
As Los Angeles prepares to take center stage in global sport with the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, the premiere of AG4IN served as both celebration and signal: the world’s game is not coming to America, it is already here, thriving, and growing.
More than a film premiere, the evening was a declaration. Los Angeles is ready. Its fans are ready. And global football is finding a powerful new home in the City of Angels.
