Vittorio De Sica, a renowned filmmaker, began his journey in Naples, where he worked as an office clerk to support his impoverished family. Despite this, he was drawn to the world of acting and made his screen debut at a young age, joining a stage company in 1923.
As he matured, De Sica became a successful matinee idol in the Italian theatre, and later, in Italian films, predominantly producing light comedies. However, it was his fifth film, The Children Are Watching Us (1943),that showcased his remarkable depth and sensitivity, particularly in his portrayal of children.
De Sica's collaboration with writer Cesare Zavattini resulted in the critically acclaimed Shoeshine (1946) and Bicycle Thieves (1948),poignant explorations of poverty in post-war Italy. These films earned special Oscars, predating the establishment of the foreign film category.
Following the commercial failure of Umberto D. (1952),a stark portrayal of the struggles of old age, De Sica shifted his focus to lighter work, often appearing on screen. Although Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (1963) secured him another Oscar, his career as a leading director was generally considered to have concluded.
Just before his passing, De Sica directed The Garden of the Finzi-Continis (1970),which won him yet another Academy Award, and his final film, A Brief Vacation (1973). Tragically, De Sica succumbed to complications following the removal of a cyst from his lungs.
