1997Winner
Best Performance
Life Is Beautiful
Roberto Benigni
Actor · Director · Producer · Writer
Manciano La Misericordia, Castiglion Fiorentino, Arezzo, Italy
October 27, 1952
Biography
Roberto Benigni, (born October 27, 1952, Misericordia, Arezzo, Italy), Italian actor and director known for his comedic work, most notably La vita è bella (1997; Life Is Beautiful), for which he won an Academy Award for best actor. Benigni was the son of a poor tenant farmer who had worked in a German forced-labour camp during World War II. The elder Benigni used humour in retelling his experiences, which helped shape his son’s comedic skill. Benigni briefly attended a Jesuit seminary in Florence, and, after a stint as a magician’s assistant, he joined an underground theatre group in the late 1960s.
Photo
Representative Works
Awards and Honors
Critical Favorites
1999Nominee
Best Performance
Asterix and Obelix Take On Caesar
1991Winner
Best Performance
Night on Earth
Career Highlights
2012Highlight
Best Performance
To Rome with Love
1989Highlight
Best Performance
Mystery Train
Video
Life Is Beautiful
Asterix and Obelix Take On Caesar
Night on Earth