Matteo Garrone

Matteo Garrone, born on October 15, 1968, in Rome, is a distinguished Italian director known for his impactful storytelling and visual prowess. Growing up in a creative environment as the son of theatre critic Nico Garrone and a photographer, he was influenced from an early age by the arts. His career took off in 1996 when he garnered the prestigious Sacher d'Oro award, given by Nanni Moretti, for his short film Silhouette, which was later incorporated into his debut feature, Terra di Mezzo, released in 1997.

Garrone gained international acclaim with his film Gomorrah (2008), which won him both the Best Director award at the European Film Awards and the David di Donatello Awards. His subsequent work Reality (2012) was a significant highlight as it contended at the Cannes Film Festival, where it earned the Grand Prix.

His subsequent films, Tale of Tales (2015) and Dogman (2018), were both recognized at the Cannes Film Festival, competing for the coveted Palme d'Or. Dogman also earned Garrone accolades from the Nastro d'argento, where he received awards for both Best Director and Best Producer. His adaptation of Pinocchio (2019) further solidified his reputation, earning him another David di Donatello for Best Director. Garrone’s filmography showcases his ability to intertwine realism with fantastical elements, making him a vital figure in contemporary cinema.