Italian Americans have influenced American culture since immigrating to the United States in massive numbers. These names have helped revolutionize modern film.
Since the first wave of immigration in the late 1800s, Italians joined the workforce in large numbers, contributing to the very foundation of America that we know today. Whether it be food or film, Italian Americans have proved their contribution to American culture is lasting and impactful. Film is one of the most influential mediums in the world, and these Italian Americans have proved their talent to the world why crediting their culture.
Martin Scorsese
(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
There isn’t a person in the world who hasn’t seen at least one major film made by Martin Scorsese. Scorsese has been in the business since 1962 and has shaped Hollywood as we know it. He is the recipient of an Academy Award, three Primetime Emmy Awards, a Grammy Award, four British Academy Film Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and two Directors Guild of America Awards.
Scorsese is best known for directing Raging Bull, Taxi Driver, and Goodfellas which are considered some of the greatest films ever made. His latest film, Killers of Flower Moon, is a western crime drama that is in post-production and set to be released in November.
Quentin Tarantino
The name Quentin Tarantino became household in 1992 after the premiere of Reservoir Dogs, which is often hailed as one of the greatest independent films of all time. Tarantino wrote the cult-classic, True Romance, which was released in 1993, a year after the premiere of Reservoir Dogs. Pulp Fiction, which is technically his second film, earned a number of accolades. Pulp Fiction won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 1954. It was nominated for seven awards at the 1995 Academy Awards.
In his career, Tarantino won two and was nominated for six academy awards. Tarantino released The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent in April of this year. The film follows a fictionalized version of Nicholas Cage’s life, who is also another prominent Italian American actor.
The Russo Brothers
The Russo Brothers, also known as Anthony and Joseph Russo, are among the most successful directors in film history. The Russo Brothers are known for their work in Disney’s Marvel Cinematic Universe. They directed Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame. Disney’s Marvel movies are the most recently culturally impactful films, entertaining and inspiring viewers of all ages.
The Russo brothers are outwardly proud of their Italian heritage and work closely with the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF). Every year, the Russo Brothers personally fund a film grant offered through NIAF and the Italian Sons and Daughters of Italy titled, “The Russo Brothers Italian American Film Forum.” The program is now in its sixth year and has given Italian Americans $8,000 to fund their own films. The only stipulation is that the film is Italian-themed in some way.
Sylvester Stallone
Stallone is one of the most prominent Italian American actors in Hollywood history. Although his talents are associated with acting, Stallone is known for directing and producing several films throughout his lucrative career. After his breakthrough role in Rocky, which catapulted Stallone to superstardom, Stallone directed a number of successful films including Rambo (2008), Rocky II, Rocky III, Rocky IV, and The Expendables.
Stallone has been nominated for a number of awards including three academy awards and three Golden Globes.
Honorable Mention: Francis Ford Coppola
Francis Ford Coppola has not recently directed any films, but he is often considered the greatest Italian American director in history. He is best known for directing The Godfather, The Godfather Part II, and Apocalypse Now. The Godfather is widely considered to be the greatest movie ever made among film critics.
Anthony Sciarratta
Anthony Sciarratta was born in Maspeth, New York, to Italian American parents. His debut novel, Finding Forever: A 1970s Love Story, was originally self-published before reaching major-market publication with Post Hill Press. Anthony received exposure for his work using a series of grassroots social media campaigns. Currently, Anthony produces viral social media content for small businesses across New York City. He also hosts a podcast titled, Breaking Bread, where he features notable members of the Italian American community.