Anna Magnani, globally celebrated artist, was born in Rome on the 7th of March 1908, in extreme poverty. After getting a few minor roles with De Sica at the beginning of the 1930s, she got her big opportunity after WW2 when director Roberto Rosselini offered her the main part in the film that was then defined Neorealism’s manifesto: Roma città aperta (1945). She got a Silver Ribbon for her interpretation, becoming the emblem of the new Italian cinemas.

Courted by Hollywood after the global success of her films, she was the first Italian actress to win an Oscar for Best Actress acting in English, in an American film: The Rose Tattoo of 1955.

Her acting career ended in 1972 when Fellini chose her to personify the city of Rome in his film Roma.

One year later the icon died in Rome after an intense career for which she was awarded two David di Donatello, five Silver Ribbons, a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, a Volpi Cup in Venice, a Silver Bear in Berlin and many more prestigious prizes.