Sophia Loren: Hollywood Style, Neapolitan Spirit

For more than 70 years Sophia Loren has been a star, style icon and groundbreaking actress.

Drawing on a strong sense of cultural identity, a teenage Sophia Loren entered the Italian film industry in 1950 and in a few short years became an Oscar®-winning actor, balancing a lightness of touch in comedy with the heft of more dramatic roles to transform into a glamorous international star.

Presented in partnership with Cinecittà and the Cinema Department of the Ministry of Culture of Italy, this BFI season features numerous 35mm screenings and 4K restorations of Loren’s most famous works – such as the hard-hitting Oscar winner Two Women, the much-admired comedy Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, and the gritty drama A Special Day – to highlight the versatility and magnetism of this singular Italian star.

The season also includes a fascinating 90-minute illustrated talk on Fri 1 August at 6:30pm in the NFT1. Led by the season curator Adrian Wootton, the talk – Hollywood: Italian Style – offers insights into the making of Loren's finest films, alongside anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories about her creative relationships, featuring excerpts and imagery from her films.