Sophia Loren

Born:September 20, 1934

Place of Birth:Rome, Lazio, Italy

Known For:Acting

Biography

Sophia Loren, born Sofia Villani Scicolone on September 20, 1934, is an iconic Italian actress whose illustrious career has spanned over six decades. Known for her captivating performances and timeless beauty, Loren has solidified her status as a cinematic legend.

In 1962, Loren made history by winning the Academy Award for Best Actress for her poignant role in "Two Women," marking a significant milestone as the first actress to receive an Oscar for a non-English-speaking performance. Her impressive accolades include a total of 50 international awards, encompassing prestigious honors such as seven Golden Globe Awards, a Grammy Award, a BAFTA Award, and a Laurel Award.

Throughout her career, Loren has delivered memorable performances in a diverse range of films, showcasing her versatility and talent. From classic films like "Houseboat" (1958) and "El Cid" (1961) to acclaimed works such as "Marriage Italian Style" (1964) and "A Special Day" (1977), she has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema.

In addition to her success in European cinema, Loren has also made a significant impact on Hollywood, starring in American blockbusters like "Grumpier Old Men" (1995) and "Nine" (2009). Her captivating presence on screen has garnered both critical acclaim and commercial success, further cementing her status as a beloved and respected actress.

Loren's contributions to the film industry have been widely recognized and celebrated. In 1999, she was honored by the American Film Institute as one of the 25 American female screen legends of all time, solidifying her legacy as a cinematic icon. Additionally, she has received prestigious awards such as the Cecil B. de Mille Award for lifetime achievements and the Praemium Imperiale by the Imperial Family of Japan.

Beyond her remarkable acting career, Loren has been acknowledged for her cultural impact and philanthropic endeavors. Her accolades include being invested as a Cavaliere di Gran Croce Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana and receiving the Legion of Honor from the Republic of France, highlighting her contributions to both the arts and society.

Sophia Loren's enduring charm, talent, and grace have captivated audiences around the world, making her a beloved figure in the realm of cinema. With a legacy that spans generations, she continues to inspire and enchant viewers with her timeless performances and unparalleled charisma.

Images

Filmography

Acting

Nine

Mamma

2009

Arrogant, self-centered movie director Guido Contini finds himself struggling to find meaning, purpose, and a script for his latest film endeavor. With only a week left before shooting begins, he desperately searches for answers and inspiration from his wife, his mistress, his muse, and his mother.

Quo Vadis

Lygia's Slave (uncredited)

1951

After fierce Roman commander Marcus Vinicius becomes infatuated with beautiful Christian hostage Lygia, he begins to question the tyrannical leadership of the despotic emperor Nero.

Two Women

Cesira

1960

A young widow flees from Rome during WWII and takes her lonely twelve-year-old-daughter to her rural hometown but the horrors of war soon catch up with them.

El Cid

Jimena

1961

Epic film of the legendary Spanish hero, Rodrigo Diaz ("El Cid" to his followers), who, without compromising his strict sense of honour, still succeeds in taking the initiative and driving the Moors from Spain.

The Fall of the Roman Empire

Lucilla

1964

In the year 180 A.D. Germanic tribes are about to invade the Roman empire from the north. In the midst of this crisis ailing emperor Marcus Aurelius has to make a decision about his successor between his son Commodus, who is obsessed by power, and the loyal general Gaius Livius.

Grumpier Old Men

Maria Sophia Coletta Ragetti

1995

A family wedding reignites the ancient feud between next-door neighbors and fishing buddies John and Max. Meanwhile, a sultry Italian divorcée opens a restaurant at the local bait shop, alarming the locals who worry she'll scare the fish away. But she's less interested in seafood than she is in cooking up a hot time with Max.

A Special Day

Antonietta Taberi

1977

Two neighbours — a persecuted journalist and a resigned housewife — forge a strong bond on the day of Adolf Hitler's historic 1938 visit to Rome.

The Cassandra Crossing

Jennifer Rispoli Chamberlain

1976

Passengers on a European train have been exposed to a deadly disease, and nobody will let them off the train.

Prêt-à-Porter

Isabella de la Fontaine

1994

During Paris Fashion Week, models, designers and industry hot shots gather to work, mingle, argue and try to seduce one another.

Operation Crossbow

Nora Van Ostamgen

1965

Allied agents infiltrate the Nazi rocket complex at Peenemunde in order to obtain their secrets and sabotage the plant. The film alternates between German developments of the V-1 missile and V-2 rocket (with a German cast speaking their own language) and discovery by British Intelligence of the weapon.