Photo: Columbia Pictures / Public domain (source: Wikimedia Commons)
Frank Capra was born on May 18, 1897 in Bisacquino, Province of Palermo, Italy. Public records list Frank Capra as a film director, screenwriter and film producer. Death is recorded on September 3, 1991, at the age of 94. Education on record includes Manual Arts High School. Listed accolades include National Medal of Arts (1986), Academy Award for Best Director (1935, 1937, 1939), AFI Life Achievement Award (1982) and 3 more.
My Take
Capra's name straightens my spine. A boy from a poor Sicilian village in Palermo who crossed an ocean and won three directing Oscars is the American Dream made flesh. Films like It's a Wonderful Life and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington insisted on human decency during brutal times, and while cynics call that sentimental, I read his optimism as an act of nerve. He even earned military honors. To me he embodies the belief that cinema exists to argue for hope, and I hold him in the highest regard.
1. Profile
- Name (English)
- Frank Capra
- Name (Japanese)
- フランク・キャプラ
- Reading
- ふらんく・きゃぷら
- Born
- May 18, 1897 – September 3, 1991
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Taurus / Rooster
- Origin
- Bisacquino, Province of Palermo, Italy
- Occupation
- film director / screenwriter / film producer / banjoist / military officer
2. Background
- High school
- Manual Arts High School
Awards & achievements
- 1986 National Medal of Arts
- 1935 Academy Award for Best Director
- 1937 Academy Award for Best Director
- 1939 Academy Award for Best Director
- 1982 AFI Life Achievement Award
- 1970 Golden Plate Award
- Distinguished Service Medal
- Legion of Merit
3. Links
4. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-17
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public or unconfirmed items are omitted. English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.
Frequently asked questions
When was Frank Capra born?
Born May 18, 1897.
When did Frank Capra die?
Died September 3, 1991, aged 94.
Where was Frank Capra from?
Frank Capra was from Bisacquino, Province of Palermo, Italy.
What did Frank Capra do?
Frank Capra worked as film director, screenwriter, film producer, banjoist, military officer.
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