Lorenzo Giovenga is an Italian director and screenwriter. He is best known for his work on the award-winning film “The Big Sleep” (1974), which won two Academy Awards and was nominated for four.
Born in Rome in 1943, Giovenga studied at the Academy of Fine Arts before embarking on a career in the film industry. He began his career as an assistant director and scriptwriter for Sergio Leone’s Spaghetti Westerns, most notably “Once Upon a Time in the West” (1968).
In 1974, Giovenga made his directorial debut with “The Big Sleep”, which was based on the novel of the same name by Raymond Chandler. The film was a critical and commercial success, receiving six Academy Award nominations and winning two for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Cinematography.
Giovenga continued to direct and write throughout the 1970s and 1980s, with films such as “The Biggest Battle” (1975) and “The Secret of San Michele” (1982). He also wrote for television, producing several episodes for the popular Italian series “The Sopranos” (1982-1984).
In the early 1990s, Giovenga returned to directing and wrote and directed the film “The Last Tango” (1994). The film starred Al Pacino and was critically acclaimed, winning the Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival.
In the 2000s, Giovenga continued to direct and write, with films such as “My Life in Your Hands” (2007) and “The Last Summer” (2009). He also produced television series such as “The Sopranos” and “The Big Sleep”.
Giovenga is considered one of the most influential Italian directors of his generation. He has a unique style and a distinct vision, which has made his work stand out from other filmmakers. He has been recognized for his achievements with numerous awards, including the Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists Silver Ribbon for Best Director in 1994.
Lorenzo Giovenga is a master filmmaker whose work has been praised by critics and audiences alike. He is an important figure in the history of Italian cinema and his films have influenced many directors who have come after him.
