Frank Capra

Frank Capra
Sony Pictures Entertainment Archives

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Frank Capra
Film: South side of the 6600 block of Hollywood Boulevard
Director | Producer | Writer
Born May 18, 1897 in Palermo, Italy
Died Sept. 3, 1991 in La Quinta, CA

Frank Capra, the multiple Academy Award-winning director, is known for his everyman heroes who symbolized the American spirit triumphing over mercenary or venal big business and big government.

Many of his films — including his Academy Award winners "It Happened One Night" (1934), "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town" (1936) and "You Can't Take It With You" (1938) — have retained their standing as classics, often being shown on television. Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946) profoundly influenced Steven Spielberg and other current filmmakers.

"It Happened One Night" was the first film to capture all five major Oscars, including Capra's first Academy Award as a director.

He retired with honors. In addition to his Oscars, there were the presidencies of the Directors Guild of America from 1936 to 1940 and of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences from 1935 to 1939, plus numerous governmental and critical awards.

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    Academy Awards

    Year Category Work
    1932 Best Director Lady for a Day Nomination
    1934 Best Director It Happened One Night Win
    1936 Best Director Mr. Deeds Goes to Town Win
    1938 Best Director You Can't Take It with You Win
    1939 Best Director Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Nomination
    1946 Best Director It's a Wonderful Life Nomination

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