Marcello Mastroianni (Fontana Liri 1924 - Parigi 1996) was one of the most celebrated and charismatic actors in Italian cinema. Raised in a modest family, Mastroianni began his career in show business after World War II. His collaborations with directors like Federico Fellini and Michelangelo Antonioni made him an icon of Italian and international cinema, famous for his elegant style and ability to portray complex and nuanced characters.

Interests

Mastroianni was passionate about theater and began his career as a stage actor. He was also a great lover of literature and art. Despite his international fame, Mastroianni always remained deeply connected to his Italian roots, maintaining a humble and approachable profile.

Major Films

"La Dolce Vita" (1960): His portrayal of journalist Marcello Rubini in this Federico Fellini film made him famous worldwide, symbolizing the modern man in search of meaning.

"8½" (1963): In another Fellini masterpiece, Mastroianni played a director in crisis, showcasing his ability to represent anguish and inner complexity.

"Divorce Italian Style" (1961): In this comedy, he played a husband plotting to get rid of his wife, demonstrating his talent for dark comedy.

"A Special Day" (1977): Alongside Sophia Loren, Mastroianni delivered one of his most touching performances, playing a homosexual during the fascist regime in Italy.

Filmography

1950 - "A Dog's Life" (Mario Monicelli)

1953 - "I Vitelloni" (Federico Fellini)

1954 - "La Strada" (Federico Fellini)

1955 - "The Miller's Beautiful Wife" (Mario Camerini)

1957 - "Nights of Cabiria" (Federico Fellini)

1960 - "La Dolce Vita" (Federico Fellini)

1961 - "Divorce Italian Style" (Pietro Germi)

1963 - "8½" (Federico Fellini)

1963 - "Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" (Vittorio De Sica)

1965 - "Marriage Italian Style" (Vittorio De Sica)

1970 - "The Pizza Triangle" (Ettore Scola)

1972 - "What? (Che?)" (Roman Polanski)

1972 - "The Mattei Affair" (Francesco Rosi)

1974 - "Allonsanfàn" (Paolo and Vittorio Taviani)

1977 - "A Special Day" (Ettore Scola)

1987 - "Dark Eyes" (Nikita Mikhalkov)

1991 - "The Suspended Step of the Stork" (Theodoros Angelopoulos)

1995 - "Beyond the Clouds" (Michelangelo Antonioni, Wim Wenders)

1996 - "Three Lives and Only One Death" (Raúl Ruiz)

Awards

Academy Awards:

• Best Actor nominations for "Divorce Italian Style" (1962), "A Special Day" (1977), and "Dark Eyes" (1987)

Cannes Film Festival:

Best Actor for "The Mattei Affair" (1972) and "Dark Eyes" (1987)

Mastroianni won numerous awards in his career, including several David di Donatello Awards (Italian Oscars) and was a beloved figure in Italian cinema.