How Monica Bellucci Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 16, 2025

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Monica Bellucci—a timeline of influence.

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.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

2002: Named Number One on AskMen's "Top 99 Most Desirable Women"

In 2002, AskMen named Monica Bellucci number one on their list of the "Top 99 Most Desirable Women".

2003: Bellucci as Italy's national sweetheart

In 2003, Chris Campion of The Daily Telegraph stated: "'La Bellucci' is Italy's national sweetheart and an icon of European cinema".

2004: "Most Beautiful Woman in the World"

Monica Bellucci was named the "Most Beautiful Woman in the World" in 2004 in an Ipsos survey of 1,002 people in France that was commissioned by TF1.

April 2005: Unveiling of Wax Statue at the Grévin Museum

In April 2005, the Grévin Museum in Paris unveiled a wax statue of Monica Bellucci.

2005: Object of desire

In 2005, Salisbury wrote in The Guardian that Monica Bellucci represents an "international object of desire" and said: "[i]n person, as on screen, Bellucci radiates a rare, otherworldly beauty".

2007: Named "Most Beautiful Woman in the World"

In 2007, Monica Bellucci was named the "Most Beautiful Woman in the World" in an Ipsos survey of 1,002 people in France that was commissioned by TF1.

May 2008: Named Second-Most-Popular European Personality in France

On 9 May 2008, it was reported that Monica Bellucci was the second-most-popular European personality (excluding France) among the French, according to a survey of 1,003 people conducted by the Superior Audiovisual Council as part of Europe Day.

2011: Ranked Fourth in Los Angeles Times Magazine's list of the "50 most beautiful women in film"

In 2011, Monica Bellucci was ranked fourth in Los Angeles Times Magazine's list of the "50 most beautiful women in film". She was voted number one on NRJ 12's list of "100 sexiest stars of 2011", which was based on a nationwide survey conducted in France that included American and French actresses, models, singers, female athletes and television presenters.

2018: Included in Forbes Italy's list of "Successful women: the 100 winning Italian women"

In 2018, Monica Bellucci was included in Forbes Italy's list of "Successful women: the 100 winning Italian women".

2021: Ranked among the most beautiful Italian actresses of all time

In 2021, Vogue France ranked Monica Bellucci fourth in its list of the "most beautiful Italian actresses of all time".

2023: Bellucci discusses being objectified

In 2023, Monica Bellucci said having been "objectified" during her film career did not bother her and that she was aware she had made the most of her body for specific roles. Elisabeth Vincentelli wrote for The New York Times in 2023 that Bellucci has achieved a "reputation as a symbol of European glamour and sophistication" that is "firmly established".