Speaking from Tokyo, where he is promoting the film, Rosi said that "taking Lampedusa to Hollywood is a very beautiful thing".
"I didn't believe any more because of all the predictions, I knew it would be a battle until the end, nothing could be taken for granted."
Golden Bear winner 'Fuocoammare' ('Fire at the Sea'), was shot on the Sicilian island of Lampedusa during the European migrant crisis, and sets the migrants' dangerous Mediterranean crossing against a backdrop of the ordinary life of Lampedusa locals.
Its four rivals for the best doc gong are ‘I Am Not Your Negro’, ‘Life Animated’, 'OJ: Made in America’, and ‘13th’.
Only one of them, ‘Life Animated’, is not about African Americans or, like 'Fuocoammare', Africa, Rosi noted.
He said this was "also a response from the Academy to Trump who wants to build walls instead".
Culture Minister Dario Franceschini commended Rosi for his achievement.
"Italy is proud to be represented on the international scene by such a beautiful and profound film," Mr Franceschini said.
The head of cinema group ANICA, Francesco Rutelli, added that the nomination was "a right and deserved recognition for a protagonist of Italian documentaries and cinema".
The Oscars will be held on February 26.
With ANSA
