Anecdotes

He owns a movie theatre in Rome, "Cinema Nuovo Sacher", named after his favourite cake (sacher torte).

Has become one of the most radical opponents to Silvio Berlusconi's government and policy in Italy. Many people believe his movie Le caïman (2006), which is inspired by Berlusconi's figure, influenced the 2006 Italian general election.

Survived cancer.

Member of the jury at the Venice Film Festival in 1986.

Was considered for the role of Alexandre in Krzysztof Kieslowski's La double vie de Véronique (1991), but dropped out because of some health problems. The role eventually went to Philippe Volter.

In 2002, he organized street protests against the government of Silvio Berlusconi.

President of the Jury at the Venice Film Festival in 2001.

Member of jury at the Cannes Film Festival in 1997

Son-in-law of composer Luigi Nono.

Although resident for his whole life in Rome, he was born in Brunico, Alto Adige, when his parents were on vacation there.

Claimed that he is not a film director in the traditional sense, but a man who makes a film when he has something to say.

Hates interviews and avoids public appearances.

As of 2021, eight of his films selected for Cannes competition.

Often referred to as the Italian Woody Allen.

His passion for water polo inspired him to shoot Palombella rossa (1989).

Retrospective at the 16th New Horizons Film Festival (2016).

In 2012, he was the President of the Jury at the Cannes Film Festival.

Four of his films were included in Cahiers du Cinéma's annual top 10 lists: Palombella Rossa (1989), Caro Diario (1994), Habemus Papam (2011), and Mia Madre (2015).

His son Pietro Moretti, with Silvia Nono, was born in 1996.

Made his acting debut in Padre Padrone (1977) by the Taviani brothers.