Bernardo Bertolucci

Actor

Director

Bernardo Bertolucci was an influential Italian film director and screenwriter known for his visually stunning and emotionally rich films. He began his career as an assistant to Pier Paolo Pasolini and made his directorial debut with "The Grim Reaper" in 1962. Bertolucci achieved international acclaim with "The Conformist" (1970), a visually striking political drama. His most controversial and well-known work, "Last Tango in Paris" (1972), starred Marlon Brando and Maria Schneider, and faced both critical praise and scandal. Bertolucci's epic film "1900" (1976) featured an ensemble cast, including Robert De Niro and Gérard Depardieu, and explored the socio-political landscape of Italy. His biggest triumph came with "The Last Emperor" (1987), a sweeping biographical film about the life of the last Emperor of China, which won nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. Other notable films in his career include "The Sheltering Sky" (1990), "Little Buddha" (1993), and "The Dreamers" (2003). Bertolucci is remembered for his distinctive style, blending opulent visuals with profound themes, and his work has had a lasting impact on international cinema. He was awarded the prestigious Palme d'Or for Lifetime Achievement at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.