Tonino Delli Colli, a highly acclaimed Italian cinematographer, entered the world on November 20, 1923, in the eternal city of Rome, Italy. With an insatiable passion for the art of filmmaking, he began his illustrious career at the renowned Cinecittà studio in Rome, Italy, in the year 1938, at the tender age of sixteen. As the years went by, his talent and dedication to his craft continued to flourish, and by the mid-1940s, he had already established himself as a skilled cinematographer. In 1952, he made cinematic history by shooting the first Italian film in color, the iconic "Totò a colori".
Throughout the extensive and distinguished course of his professional life, Tonino had the privilege of collaborating with a wide-ranging array of renowned and esteemed film directors, whose collective body of work has had a profound impact on the cinematic world. These directors, whose names are synonymous with excellence and innovation, include the legendary Sergio Leone, the accomplished Roman Polanski, the acclaimed Louis Malle, the acclaimed Jean-Jacques Annaud, and the iconic Federico Fellini.
One of the most significant and fruitful collaborations in Tonino's illustrious career was with the visionary Pier Paolo Pasolini, whose innovative and provocative filmmaking style has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. Together, they worked on a staggering twelve films, including Pasolini's critically acclaimed debut, Accattone, the highly acclaimed Mamma Roma, the groundbreaking The Gospel According to St. Matthew, the visually stunning The Decameron, the masterfully crafted The Canterbury Tales, and the infamous Salò o le 120 giornate di Sodoma.
Tonino Delli Colli's remarkable career in cinematography was marked by an abundance of accolades and prestigious awards, with a notable highlight being his fourth David di Donatello for Outstanding Cinematography for Roberto Benigni's poignant and critically acclaimed film, Life Is Beautiful, in the year 1997.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of cinematography, Tonino received the esteemed International Achievement Award from the American Society of Cinematographers in 2005.
Sadly, Tonino Delli Colli's life came to an abrupt end on August 16, 2005, at the age of 81, due to a heart attack at his home in Rome, Italy, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and influence future generations of cinematographers.
Tonino's exceptional dedication and tireless efforts in the realm of cinematography were honored in a most fitting manner, as he was bestowed the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the 13th annual Camerimage Film Festival, held in the historic city of Łódź, Poland, in the year 2005, a testament to his enduring impact on the art of filmmaking.
