Actor Toni Servillo secures the Best Actor award at the Venice Film Festival.
Toni Servillo, born in Naples in 1958, has carved out a distinguished career in Italian theatre and film, earning him international acclaim.
Servillo's journey began in the experimental theatre scene of Naples during the 1970s and 1980s. After gaining acclaim on the stage, he transitioned to the silver screen. His roles have primarily been in Italy, with a few notable exceptions.
One of his most famous performances outside of Italy is his portrayal of Jep Gambardella, the man-about-town hero in Paolo Sorrentino's "The Great Beauty." In this film, Servillo's character questions his cynicism and ennui, offering a poignant exploration of ageing and the human condition. This role has made him probably best known outside of Italy.
Servillo and Sorrentino have enjoyed a long-term collaboration, with Servillo playing Sorrentino's father in the autobiographical "The Hand of God." He also won an award for his work in Sorrentino's "La Grazia," where he portrays a politician dealing with a moral dilemma.
Servillo has not been previously mentioned as playing any roles in theatre or film before the 1970s. However, he gained attention for his portrayal of a villainous businessman named Franco in Matteo Garrone's "Gomorrah," a film based on the Roberto Saviano novel about the Camorra mafia, in 2008.
In addition to his work in film, Servillo has lent his expressive face to various roles on stage. He has referred to himself as a "theatre militant" and continues to perform onstage.
Servillo's career has been marked by numerous accolades. He has won two European Film Awards and four David di Donatello awards, Italy's Oscar equivalent. He also won an award for his work in "La Grazia."
Notably, Servillo's award acceptance speech included a statement against the war in Gaza.
Servillo has also portrayed larger-than-life politicians, including former Italian prime ministers Giulio Andreotti and Silvio Berlusconi. In "The King of Laughter," which premiered at Venice in 2021, he played the famous turn-of-the-century Neapolitan actor Eduardo Scarpetta.
In summary, Toni Servillo is a versatile and accomplished actor whose career spans decades and various mediums. His work in theatre and film, particularly in Italy, has earned him numerous awards and international recognition.
