Katina Paxinou (1900-1973) was a prominent Greek actress, celebrated for her powerful stage and screen presence. She achieved international fame and won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1944 for her unforgettable portrayal of Pilar in *For Whom the Bell Tolls*, her Hollywood debut.

Her film career includes memorable roles in *Mourning Becomes Electra* (1947), for which she received a Golden Globe nomination, and Luchino Visconti's *Rocco and His Brothers* (1960), where she demonstrated her profound dramatic ability within an Italian context.

Paxinou was renowned for embodying complex and intense characters: often elderly women, courageous mothers, or tragic and passionate figures. Her style was characterized by visceral and emotionally impactful acting, which allowed her to dominate the screen with authority and psychological depth.