Banderas first rose to prominence through his collaborations with Pedro Almodóvar, starring in some of the Spanish master’s most emblematic works, including Labyrinth of Passion (1982), Matador (1986), Law of Desire (1987), and Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (1988). His talent soon crossed borders, and he quickly established himself in Hollywood, delivering powerful and versatile performances in films such as Philadelphia (1993), Interview with the Vampire (1994), and Evita (1996). In recent years, he has continued to impress audiences with his roles in Official Competition and Babygirl.
Banderas’ upcoming projects include Tony, A24’s anticipated biopic about Anthony Bourdain, in which he stars alongside Dominic Sessa, and Rose’s Baby, directed by Trudie Styler.
To celebrate his enduring collaboration with Almodóvar, the Torino Film Festival will host a special screening of Pain and Glory (2019) — the deeply personal and moving film that earned Banderas the Best Actor Award at the Cannes Film Festival, as well as nominations for both the Academy Awards and the Golden Globes.
Festival director Giulio Base commented: “Antonio Banderas, forged in Almodóvar’s creative workshop and later conquering Hollywood, embodies the image of the total actor — one of dizzying depth and, at the same time, the quintessential sex symbol of his generation. He travels the world without ever betraying his roots, carrying with him the Mediterranean light in every role. In Turin, we welcome not only an immense artist but a living legend of our collective imagination.”
The Stella della Mole is the festival’s highest honor, presented to outstanding figures in international cinema whose artistic achievements have left an indelible mark on the seventh art. It celebrates creative excellence and the enduring power of auteur cinema.
Organized by the Museo Nazionale del Cinema di Torino, the Torino Film Festival is held with the support of the Italian Ministry of Culture – Directorate General for Cinema and Audiovisual, the Piedmont Region, the City of Turin, the Compagnia di San Paolo Foundation, and the Fondazione CRT.
