Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Monica Bellucci
How Monica Bellucci built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Monica Bellucci is an Italian actress and model recognized for her work in Italian, American, and French films. Beginning her career as a fashion model, she transitioned to acting, showcasing versatility across genres and languages. Her contributions to film have been acknowledged with awards like the David di Donatello and nominations at the Saturn and César Awards. In 2018, she was recognized by Forbes Italy as one of the 100 most successful Italian women.
1983: Modeled at a Fashion Show at Teatro degli Illuminati
In 1983, Monica Bellucci was dressed by Pina Alberti and modeled at a fashion show at the Teatro degli Illuminati in Città di Castello as part of an event called Momento Donna, hosted by Maria Giovanna Elmi.
1987: Assessment by Piero Piazzi at Elite Model Management
In 1987, Piero Piazzi initially assessed Monica Bellucci at Elite Model Management, deeming her "not ready".
1989: Living in New York and Becoming a Millionaire
In 1989, Monica Bellucci lived in New York and was already a millionaire due to her modeling career.
1990: Recommendation for Vita coi figli
In 1990, Carlo Vanzina recommended Monica Bellucci to Dino Risi for the television miniseries Vita coi figli after noticing her photo in a magazine.
1990: Image Used for Dior Haute Couture Line
In 1990, the French luxury house Dior used Monica Bellucci's image and name for its Haute Couture line.
May 1991: Acting Debut in Vita coi figli
In May 1991, Monica Bellucci made her acting debut in Vita coi figli, a two-part television film, playing the role of Elda.
1991: Acting Debut in Vita coi figli
In 1991, Monica Bellucci made her acting debut in the Italian television miniseries Vita coi figli.
1991: Brand Ambassador for L'Oréal and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue
In 1991, Monica Bellucci was the brand ambassador for the cosmetics company L'Oréal and appeared in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
1992: First Catwalk Appearance for Dolce & Gabbana
According to Stefano Gabbana, 1992 was the first time Monica Bellucci returned to the catwalk for the house since 1992.
1992: Combining Modeling and Acting
In 1992, Monica Bellucci combined her work as a model with her acting debut.
1992: Role in Bram Stoker's Dracula
In 1992, Monica Bellucci played one of Dracula's brides in the horror film Bram Stoker's Dracula.
1993: First Meeting with Giuseppe Tornatore
In 1993, Monica Bellucci first met Giuseppe Tornatore when he directed her in a television advertisement for Dolce & Gabbana perfume.
1995: Moved to Paris
In 1995, Monica Bellucci moved to France and settled in Paris to improve her career prospects in the film industry.
1996: Acted with Vincent Cassel
In 1996, Monica Bellucci and Vincent Cassel began acting together in films, with a total of nine collaborations between 1996 and 2006.
1996: Breakthrough Role in The Apartment
In 1996, Monica Bellucci had her breakthrough role in The Apartment, receiving a César Award nomination.
1996: César Award Nomination for The Apartment
In 1996, Monica Bellucci's performance as Lisa in the French film noir, The Apartment, earned her a César Award nomination for Most Promising Actress. This nomination significantly boosted her career in France and solidified her position as a respected actress.
1997: Brand Ambassador and Muse of Cartier Jewellery
In 1997, Monica Bellucci became the brand ambassador and muse of Cartier jewellery, also posing for the Pirelli Calendar.
1997: Roles in Dobermann and James Bond Audition
In 1997, Monica Bellucci starred in Jan Kounen's Dobermann, where she played a mute Romani woman, necessitating her to learn sign language. Also in 1997, she auditioned with Pierce Brosnan for the James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies at his request, but was not cast due to studio preferences for an American actress.
1998: Globo d'oro Award for L'ultimo capodanno
In 1998, Monica Bellucci received a Globo d'oro Award for Best Actress for her leading role as Giulia Giovannini in the Italian comedy-drama L'ultimo capodanno.
2000: Attention from American Audiences in Under Suspicion and International Recognition in Malèna
In 2000, Monica Bellucci gained the attention of American audiences in Under Suspicion and achieved greater international recognition for her role as Malèna Scordia in Malèna.
2000: International success with Malèna
In 2000, Monica Bellucci portrayed Malèna Scordia in the film Malèna, set in Sicily. This role brought her worldwide attention and international success. Miramax secured the film for US distribution.
2000: Posed for GQ Calendar
In 2000, Monica Bellucci posed for the GQ calendar, photographed by Gian Paolo Barbieri.
2000: Lead role in Under Suspicion and Cannes debut
In 2000, Monica Bellucci starred in her first English-language lead role in Under Suspicion, alongside Morgan Freeman and Gene Hackman, which marked her introduction to American audiences. The film's selection as a closing film at the 2000 Cannes Film Festival also marked her red-carpet debut at the event.
2000: Malèna released
In 2000, with the release of Malèna, Thomas of the Los Angeles Times stated Monica Bellucci "has the impact of the great Italian stars". Paul Tatara of CNN International called her a "world-class bombshell".
2000: National and International Magazine Covers
Since 2000, Monica Bellucci has appeared on national and international covers of numerous magazines, including Elle, GQ, Harper's Bazaar, and Vogue.
2001: Posed nude with caviar on breasts for Esquire
In 2001, Monica Bellucci posed nude with caviar on her breasts for the cover of Esquire's Desire issue.
2001: Role in Brotherhood of the Wolf
In 2001, Monica Bellucci starred in Brotherhood of the Wolf, a French period drama based on historical events. She played an underused role as a courtesan-papist spy.
2002: Controversial role in Irréversible
In 2002, Monica Bellucci co-starred in Gaspar Noé's Irréversible. The film premiered at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival, and generated controversy due to its graphic content.
2002: Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra and Saturn Awards nomination
In 2002, Monica Bellucci starred in Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra, a light-hearted comedy where she portrayed Cleopatra. Also in 2002, she received a Best Supporting Actress nomination at the Saturn Awards for Brotherhood of the Wolf.
2002: Roles in Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra and Irréversible
In 2002, Monica Bellucci starred in the comedy Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra and portrayed a rape victim in the controversial thriller Irréversible.
2002: Starred in Irreversible
In 2002, The Times' Pearce described Monica Bellucci as "arguably the world's most beautiful actress", noting her specialization in playing "ugly scenes", as exemplified by the rape scene in Irréversible.
May 2003: Mistress of Ceremonies at Cannes Film Festival
In May 2003, Monica Bellucci was mistress of ceremonies at the 56th Cannes Film Festival, presiding over the opening and closing ceremonies.
2003: Roles in Remember Me, My Love and Tears of the Sun
In 2003, Monica Bellucci played Alessia in the Italian film Remember Me, My Love, earning her the Nastro d'Argento award for Best Supporting Actress. Also in 2003, she co-starred with Bruce Willis in Tears of the Sun.
2003: Portrayal of Persephone in The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions
In 2003, Monica Bellucci portrayed Persephone in The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions. The Matrix Reloaded was a commercial success, while The Matrix Revolutions received mixed reviews.
2004: Role as Mary Magdalene in The Passion of the Christ
In 2004, Monica Bellucci played Mary Magdalene in Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ. Despite initial concerns about the film's success, it became a major commercial hit. Bellucci had to quickly learn Aramaic and Latin for the role.
2004: Posed Nude for Vanity Fair Italy and Status with Cartier Made Public
In 2004, while pregnant, Monica Bellucci posed nude for the Italian cover of Vanity Fair in protest against Italian laws on in vitro fertilization. Also, her status as the only actress contractually bound to Cartier was made public.
July 2005: European Golden Globe Award and role in The Brothers Grimm
On July 2, 2005, Monica Bellucci was awarded the European Golden Globe for cinema at Rome's 45th Globo d'oro ceremony. Also in 2005, she played the Mirror Queen in Terry Gilliam's The Brothers Grimm.
2005: Role in How Much Do You Love Me?
In 2005, Monica Bellucci played a prostitute in How Much Do You Love Me?
May 2006: Jury Member at Cannes Film Festival
From 17 to 28 May 2006, Monica Bellucci was a jury member at the 59th Cannes Film Festival.
2006: Acted with Vincent Cassel
In 2006, Monica Bellucci and Vincent Cassel acted together in nine films between 1996 and 2006.
2006: Roles in Napoleon and Me and The Stone Council
In 2006, Monica Bellucci starred in Napoleon and Me as Baroness Emilia. Also in 2006, she appeared in the film d'auteur (auteur film) The Stone Council, an adaptation from the novel of the same name.
2006: Named Brand Ambassador for Dior
In 2006, Monica Bellucci was named brand ambassador for Dior and the face of a range of products.
September 2007: Release of Shoot 'Em Up in the US
In September 2007, the action thriller Shoot 'Em Up, starring Monica Bellucci, Paul Giamatti, and Clive Owen, was released in the US. Bellucci portrayed Donna Quintano in the movie.
November 2007: Commercial Failures of Films
In November 2007, Le Monde reported on the commercial failures of "The Second Wind" and "The Stone Council".
2007: Cartier Collection Inspired by Bellucci Presented in Dubai
In 2007, Cartier designed a collection of luxury diamond jewellery inspired by Monica Bellucci, first presented at a Cartier event in Dubai.
2007: Role in Shoot 'Em Up
In 2007, Monica Bellucci acted in Shoot 'Em Up.
2008: Co-starring in Wild Blood
In 2008, Monica Bellucci co-starred in Marco Tullio Giordana's "Wild Blood" with Luca Zingaretti. The movie explores the lives of Luisa Ferida and Osvaldo Valenti during the Italian Fascism period.
2008: Supporting a fundraising campaign for children with cancer
In 2008, Monica Bellucci supported a fundraising campaign for a center dedicated to children battling cancer, located in Prima Porta, Italy. The initiative was led by the Associazione Genitori Oncologia Pediatrica (AGOP).
March 2010: Organizing Nuit des Femmes
In March 2010, Monica Bellucci organized the Nuit des Femmes (Women's Night), bringing together female politicians, researchers, doctors, lawyers, writers, painters, and business leaders to discuss the progress of women's rights in France. The funds raised during the event supported the creation of accommodation, reintegration, and support centers for single mothers in precarious situations.
April 2010: Semi-Nude Cover for Vanity Fair Italy
In April 2010, Monica Bellucci posed semi-nude while pregnant for the cover of Vanity Fair Italy.
2010: Role in The Whistleblower
In 2010, Monica Bellucci acted in The Whistleblower.
2010: End of Dior Ambassadorship
In 2010, Monica Bellucci's role as brand ambassador for Dior concluded.
2011: Brand Ambassador for Éric Bompard
In 2011, Cashmere goods manufacturer Éric Bompard appointed Monica Bellucci as its brand ambassador for its winter advertising campaign.
2011: Role in The Ages of Love
In 2011, Monica Bellucci acted in The Ages of Love.
2012: Performance in Rhino Season
In 2012, Monica Bellucci starred in "Rhino Season" and learned to speak Persian for the role. Her performance was noted for its poise, grace, and stoic minimalism.
2012: Face of Dolce & Gabbana Lipstick Range
In 2012, Monica Bellucci was the face of an eponymous range of Dolce & Gabbana lipstick.
October 2015: Donation to Cannes flood recovery
In October 2015, Monica Bellucci donated €10,000 to the City of Cannes to fund a solidarity campaign aimed at supporting recovery efforts following the devastating floods in the Alpes-Maritimes region.
2015: Starring in Ville-Marie
In 2015, Monica Bellucci starred as Sophie Bernard in the Canadian drama film "Ville-Marie". Her performance was praised, and she received the Best Actress Award from the Dublin Film Critics' Circle.
2015: Role in Ville-Marie and Spectre
In 2015, Monica Bellucci's role in Ville-Marie earned her the Dublin Film Critics' Circle Award for Best Actress, and she appeared in the James Bond film Spectre, becoming the oldest Bond girl at age 50.
2015: Bond Girl in Spectre
In 2015, at 50 years old, Monica Bellucci became the oldest Bond girl at that time, playing Lucia Sciarra in Sam Mendes' "Spectre".
2016: Roles in On the Milky Road and Mozart in the Jungle
In 2016, Monica Bellucci appeared in films such as On the Milky Road and in the television series Mozart in the Jungle.
2016: Guest Role in Mozart in the Jungle
In 2016, Monica Bellucci had a guest role in the third season of the American comedy-drama streaming television series "Mozart in the Jungle", portraying Alessandra, an opera singer.
2016: Starring in On the Milky Road
In 2016, Monica Bellucci portrayed Nevesta in the film "On the Milky Road", a romance set during the 1990s Bosnian War. She had to learn her dialogue in Serbian for the role.
2017: Invitation to Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
In 2017, Monica Bellucci was invited by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to become a permanent member representing Italy, making her a voting juror for the annual Academy Awards (Oscars).
2017: Maria by Callas documentary
In 2017, the documentary film "Maria by Callas" was released and afterwards writer and director Tom Volf proposed to Monica Bellucci a project based on his book Maria Callas: Lettres & Mémoires.
June 2018: Appeared in Dolce & Gabbana Fashion Parade
In June 2018, Monica Bellucci appeared in a fashion parade for Dolce & Gabbana, opening the second day of Milan Fashion Week.
September 2018: Chair of Judging Panel at Dinard British Film Festival
From 26 to 30 September 2018, Monica Bellucci chaired the judging panel of the 29th Dinard British Film Festival.
2018: Role in Call My Agent!
In 2018, Monica Bellucci acted in Call My Agent! on television.
2018: Leading Role in Nekrotronic
In 2018, Monica Bellucci had a leading role in the Australian comedy science-fiction horror film "Nekrotronic", playing a necromancer and demonic soul-eater.
December 2019: Theatrical Debut in Maria Callas: Letters and Memoirs
From 27 November to 6 December 2019, Monica Bellucci made her theatrical debut at the Marigny Theatre in Paris in "Maria Callas: Letters and Memoirs", a one-woman show directed by Tom Volf, in which she recited letters on stage.
2019: Catwalk Appearance at Milan Fashion Week
In 2019, Monica Bellucci appeared on the catwalk for Dolce & Gabbana at the Milan fashion week, joining other supermodels from the 1990s.
2019: Cameo Role in The Best Years of a Life
In 2019, Monica Bellucci had a cameo role as Elena, the daughter of Jean-Louis Duroc, in Claude Lelouch's film "The Best Years of a Life", set in Normandy.
2019: Stage Debut in Letters and Memoirs
In 2019, Monica Bellucci made her stage debut as Maria Callas in Letters and Memoirs.
2020: Role in The Man Who Sold His Skin
In 2020, Monica Bellucci appeared in the film The Man Who Sold His Skin.
2022: Starring in Memory and Performing Maria Callas: Letters and Memoirs
In 2022, Monica Bellucci co-starred in Martin Campbell's action thriller "Memory" and performed "Maria Callas: Letters and Memoirs" at Her Majesty's Theatre in London, Chatelet Theatre in Paris, and in Istanbul and Los Angeles.
January 2023: Performance of Maria Callas: Letters and Memoirs in New York City
In January 2023, at 58 years old, Monica Bellucci performed the play "Maria Callas: Letters and Memoirs" at the Beacon Theatre in New York City.
2024: Role in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
In 2024, Monica Bellucci appeared in the film Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.
2025: Inspiration for a song in Coolie
In 2025, it will be featured on the soundtrack to the Tamil film Coolie (2025 film) a track inspired by Monica Bellucci and titled "Monica", by Tamil director Lokesh Kanagaraj and music composer Anirudh Ravichander.
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