Luca Zingaretti

reference Straight up, if you know even a smidge about Italian cinema, you’ve heard this guy’s name tossed around like confetti. He’s basically a living legend—started out in theater with the iconic Ronconi (yeah, that Ronconi), then just casually hopped over to film. Not with just any directors, but with the heavy hitters: Risi, the Taviani Brothers, Faenza, Luchetti, Avati, Giordana... you get the idea. The man’s got range. One minute he’s pulling off complex, brooding characters on stage, the next he’s delivering performances that stick with you long after the credits roll. But let’s be real, most folks know him because he *is* Il Commissario Montalbano. That role? Total phenomenon. We’re talking international fame, not just a little local buzz. People binge-watch those episodes like it’s their job. And it’s not just Montalbano—he’s transformed into some serious historical heavyweights too, like Borsellino and Olivetti, bringing a raw, human side to these giants. Now, here’s where it gets spicy: after directing the final three episodes of Montalbano (talk about going out with a bang), he’s stepping behind the camera for his first full-length film. No more just acting—he’s calling the shots now. So, if you’ve been following his career—on stage, on screen, whatever—you know this next chapter is gonna be wild. The anticipation’s real.