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Sabrina Impacciatore is proof that la dolce vita is actually so sweet.
The White Lotus alum was ready to celebrate her home country and the Milano Cortino Winter Olympics as the Games officially kicked off at the San Siro Olympic Stadium in Milan, Italy Feb. 6.
Sabrina—who was born in Rome and is well known for her comedic chops in Italy’s entertainment industry—paid homage to the rich history of the country as well as this year’s Olympics host cities of Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo during the Opening Ceremony. The 57-year-old was joined for the celebration by Mariah Carey, Italian singer and songwriter Laura Pausini and famed Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli.
Following the Parade of Nations, the actress appeared in a pre-recorded skit intoducing this year’s Olympic mascots Tina and Milo. Clad in a silver-and-gold lamé outfit, she then appeared onstage live for a six-minute dance number celebrating the Olympics through the decades.
Sabrina—who has also appeared in the American series The Paper, in addition to The White Lotus—was first announced to be taking part in the Opening Ceremony in December, with a press release stating that she is “an actress of extraordinary sensitivity and talent.”
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“Her authentic and charismatic stage presence reflects a versatility capable of transcending cultural and linguistic boundaries,” the release continued, “speaking to diverse audiences through a universal language.”
They also shared that her participation in the Opening Ceremony “represents a valuable contribution to the narrative of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games,” adding that while on stage at the San Siro Stadium, the Emmy-nominated actress “will offer audiences a moment of powerful emotional impact, giving shape and voice to the spirit of the Games.”
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Although the start of the 2026 Olympics took place in Milan, the Italian city wasn’t the only place to celebrate as there were also activations, ceremonies and athlete parades in Predazzo, Livigno and Milan’s fellow host city Cortina d’Ampezzo.
And due to the dual nature of the double host cities, Olympic history was being made as for the first time ever there would be two Olympic cauldrons, which are ceremoniously lit by the Olympic torch during the Opening Ceremony. One is located in Milan at the city’s iconic Arco della Pace, while the other is in Piazza Dibona in the heart of Cortina d’Ampezzo.
For a look at all of the highlights from the 2026 Olympics Opening Ceremony, keep reading.
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Benvenuto in Italia!
The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 begins with the Opening Ceremony on Feb. 6.
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Grand Beginning
The Opening Ceremony features the Parade of Nations and multiple musical performances.
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Fueling the Games
The Olympic torch arrives in Italy following a journey of 7,500 miles.
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The Torch Arrives
Torchbearers Deborah Compagnoni and Alberto Tomba light the Olympic cauldron.
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Official Kickoff
The Games begin as the cauldron is lit.
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Popping Off
The lively event concludes with fireworks above the stadium.
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Charlize Theron Cameo
The actress speaks out with a message on peace inspired by Nelson Mandela.
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In the Spotlight
Charlize Theron walks out on the stage, saying, “Peace is not just the absence of conflict. Peace is the creation of an environment where all can flourish, regardless of race, colour, creed, religion, gender, class, caste or any other social markers of difference.”
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Lighting Up the Olympics
Dancers entertain the crowd with a performance in an abstract web.
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Team Switzerland
The Swiss stars shine bright in red outfits to match their flag.
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Retro Vibes
A look inside the opening skit at San Siro Stadium.
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United
The flags of participating countries are shown.
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Ghali’s moment
Italian rapper Ghali switches things up.
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A Dolce Vita Performance
The famed Italian singer performs in his signature style.
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Italy’s President Address
President Sergio Mattarella delivers his opening remarks.
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A Word from the International Olympic Committee
The president of the IOC takes the stage to address the crowd.
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Checking Back In
The White Lotus actress Sabrina Impacciatore performs after all the athlete’s arrivals
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A Performance to Remember
Sabrina’s dance is full of on-stage flair
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Tribute to Winter Sports
The dancers don winter gear to nod toward the sports represented at Olympics 2026.
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A Grand Finale
The dancers join together for one last pose on stage.
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All Set
With every country represented, the athlete procession comes to an end.
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Team USA
Born in the USA. The patriotic team waves their flags as they head into the arena.
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JD Vance & Usha Vance
The US Vice President and his wife support Team USA.
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Land of the Free, Home of the Brave
Team USA greets the crowd inside the arena.
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First, Let’s Take a Selfie
Women from Team USA group together for a quick pic.
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Team Ireland
Great craic. The Irish athletes head into the arena.
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Team North Macedonia
A sunny moment. Team North Macedonia waves their flag.
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Team Denmark
Go’dav! The Denmark athletes make their mark.
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Team Lebanon
Going with a theme. Team Lebanon takes colors from their flag to curate their outfits.
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Team France
Bonjour! The French athletes sport white and wave their flag to enter the games.
Catch up on the biggest 2026 Olympics highlights on E! Online and the E! News app.
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