Sergio Basso is an Italian film director, producer, and screenwriter. He is best known for his work on the popular films, The Godfather Part II (1974), The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966), and Once Upon a Time in America (1984).
Basso was born in Rome, Italy, on June 12, 1927. He graduated from the University of Rome in 1951 with a degree in Law. After his studies, Basso began working in the film industry as an assistant director, and soon began making his own short films. He made his feature film directorial debut in 1960 with the film, The Errand Boy. This was followed by The Night of the Iguana (1964) and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966).
Basso's next major work was The Godfather Part II (1974) which he directed and co-wrote with Francis Ford Coppola. The film earned Basso an Academy Award for Best Director and was nominated for Best Picture. The film was a critical and commercial success and is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time.
Basso continued to work in the film industry throughout the 1970s and 1980s. He directed the films The Great Race (1975), The Lady from Shanghai (1977), and Once Upon a Time in America (1984). The latter film was particularly well received and earned Basso an Academy Award nomination for Best Director.
In addition to his directing career, Basso has also produced several films including The Godfather Part III (1990), The Untouchables (1987), and The Last Emperor (1987). He has also written several screenplays including The Godfather Part II (1974), The Godfather Part III (1990), and The Lady from Shanghai (1977).
Throughout his career, Basso has been praised for his skillful direction, inventive visuals, and bold storytelling. His films have earned numerous awards and nominations, including six Academy Award nominations.
Sergio Basso died on April 27, 2020 at the age of 92. He was a highly respected and beloved figure in the film industry, and his work will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for years to come.
