Vittorio De Sica (1901-1974) was an Italian actor and director, a pivotal figure of Neorealism. His profoundly humanist cinema depicted everyday reality and the difficulties of the post-war period, often featuring non-professional actors and a strong social sensitivity.

Among his Neorealist masterpieces are *Shoeshine* (1946) and *Bicycle Thieves* (1948), the latter an emblem of the movement and globally recognized. Subsequently, he directed internationally successful works such as *Miracle in Milan* (1951), *Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow* (1963), and *The Garden of the Finzi-Continis* (1970). De Sica received four Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film, testament to his lasting impact on cinema.