Vittorio De Sica (July 7, 1901, Sora, Italy - November 13, 1974, Neuilly-sur-Seine, France) was an Italian film director, actor, and screenwriter, considered one of the greatest masters of neorealistic cinema.

Early Life. De Sica was born in Sora, Italy, and grew up in Naples. He studied acting at the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia in Rome and began his career as an actor in silent films. He later experimented with directing, helming his first film, "Rosso e Nero" (1925).

Film Career. De Sica is known for being one of the leading directors of Italian neorealism. He directed iconic films like "Bicycle Thieves" (1948), "Miracle in Milan" (1951), and "Umberto D." (1952). These films highlighted the hardships of everyday life in Italy after World War II and deeply influenced world cinema.

Personal Life. De Sica was married three times and had three children. He was known for his humility and dedication to cinema.

Interests. Besides filmmaking, De Sica had a passion for painting and music. He was an amateur violinist and played the violin in his leisure time.

Important Films:

"Bicycle Thieves" (1948): The film follows the struggles of an unemployed man in Rome as he tries to recover his stolen bicycle, crucial for his work. The film is an icon of neorealism.

"Miracle in Milan" (1951): This fantasy comedy tells the story of Toto, a boy raised by a dove and endowed with special powers. The film explores themes of humanity and solidarity.

"Umberto D." (1952): The film depicts the life of an elderly pensioner, Umberto D., as he struggles to survive in post-war Italy. It's a poignant portrayal of loneliness and abandonment.

"The Garden of the Finzi-Continis" (1970): This film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and tells the story of a Jewish family during the rise of fascism in Italy.

Filmography

Rose Scarlatte (1940)

Maddalena, Zero in Condotta (1940)

Teresa Venerdì (1941)

Un Garibaldino al Convento (1942)

I Bambini ci Guardano (1944)

Sciuscià (1946)

Cuore (1948)

Ladri di Biciclette (1948)

Miracolo a Milano (1951)

Umberto D. (1952)

Stazione Termini (1953)

L'oro di Napoli (1954)

Il Tetto (1956)

Anna di Brooklyn (1958)

La Ciociara (1960)

Boccaccio '70 (1962, segment "La Riffa")

Il Boom (1963)

Ieri, Oggi, Domani (1963)

Matrimonio all'Italiana (1964)

Un Mondo Nuovo (1966)

Caccia alla Volpe (1966)

Sette Volte Donna (1967)

Amanti (1968)

I Girasoli (1970)

Il Giardino dei Finzi-Contini (1970)

Lo Chiameremo Andrea (1972)

Una Breve Vacanza (1973)

Il Viaggio (1974)

Awards

Academy Awards (Oscars):

Best Foreign Language Film: Won for "Bicycle Thieves" (1948), "Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" (1963), and "The Garden of the Finzi-Continis" (1970).

Honorary Oscar: Received in 1950 for "Bicycle Thieves" for his significant contribution to cinema.

Cannes Film Festival:

Palme d'Or: Won for "Miracle in Milan" (1951).

Golden Globe Awards:

Won the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film with "Bicycle Thieves".